The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (usually shortened to United Kingdom, UK or Britain) is a sovereign state in northern Europe. The country is situated on the island of Great Britain and the north east of the island of Ireland (where it shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland) plus around a thousand smaller islands. With a population of 66 million – the majority of which reside in England – the UK has the 22nd largest population in the world and the fourth largest in Europe.
Strictly speaking, the UK consists of two countries, one principality and one province. However, for simplification, on The Geographist we shall refer to them as the four constituent countries:
 | United Kingdom Sovereign state |
| Continent | Europe |
| Capital and largest city | London |
| Area | 93,628 sq mi (78th) |
| Population | 66,040,229 (22nd) |
| Density | 701/sq mi (50th) |
| Subdivisions | 4 constituent countries |