United Kingdom (UK)
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Capital
London
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Local time
19:14
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Population
65.35 m
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Driving side
Left
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Calling code
+44
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Currency
£ GBP (pound)
United Kingdom (UK)
-
Capital
London
-
Local time
19:14
-
Population
65.35 m
-
Driving side
Left
-
Calling code
+44
-
Currency
£ GBP (pound)
-
Average Salary
$ 3 461
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Petrol price
€ 1.92 pl
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Precipitation
1 220mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
244 820 km2
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Protected Area
28%
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Forest Area
13%
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Agricultural area
71%
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Railways
16132km
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Annual air passengers
145.12 m
Population
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Ethnicity
English - 83 %
Scottish - 8 %
Welsh - 4 %
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Religion
Christian - 71 %
Muslim - 7 %
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Languages
English
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Armed Forces
152 350
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Alcohol consumption
12 l/person
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Smoking
19.9%
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Diabetes
4.7%
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Tuberculosis
10 per 100k
Economy
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Industries
machine tools, electric power equipment, automation equipment, railroad equipment, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, electronics and communications equipment, metals
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Agriculture
cereals, oilseed, potatoes, vegetables, cattle, sheep, poultry, fish
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Natural Resources
coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, tin, limestone
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Energy Import
39%
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Natural Resources
coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, tin, limestone
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Renewable Energy
7%
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CO2 Emissions
419 820kt
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Ease of Business
7 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
132
What not to do when visiting Northern Ireland
Don't reach over someone's plate for something, ask for the item to be passed. Don't take food from your neighbours plate.
Don't sit on the table, don't put hats, bags or other pocket stuff on tables.
Don't forget to say "sorry" if you accidentally bump into someone.
Did you know?
There is a British overseas territory called the Sandwich Islands.
Don't pick food out of your teeth with your fingernails.
Don't forge to eat with fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. The British pay attention to good table manners. Even young children are expected to eat properly with knife and fork.
Don't start eating before everyone has been served unless your host says so - wait until your host starts eating or indicates you should do so if you are a guest.
Don't ask personal or intimate questions such as "How much do you earn?", "How much do you weight?", "Why aren't you married?". Respect others' privacy.
Don't use English in England, Scotland and Wales - use British instead.
Did you know?
The subject of the first printed book in England was about chess.
Don't let it get you. Swear and be prepared to sworn at casually all the godfucking time. Northern Ireland is one of the most casually profane areas on the planet and you will be called a dickhead, shitebag, cunt, fucker, fuckface, arsewipe and wankshaft on a daily basis.
Don't throw any rubbish or cigarette puffs on the floor in the street or anywhere.
Don't overtake the queue - stand in the line if there is a queue and wait patiently for your turn.
Don't do the V-sign with the palm facing inward - it's extremely rude.
Don't be late - be punctual, the British place value on punctuality. If you are unable to keep an appointment, it's expected you call the person you are meeting.
Did you know?
All pilots on international flights identify themselves in English regardless of their country of origin.
Don't forget to place your knife and fork together on your plate when finished.
Don't be impolite - always say thank you when served with something. It shows appreciation.
Don't be surprised with the rounds system in pubs - it's common in Ireland and the UK. Be prepared.
Don't hesitate to get familiar with the word "Cheers" which are quite commonly used instead of "Thank you" and "Goodbye".
Don't be offended when you are called by different "affectionate" names, such as dear, honey, love, mate, guy, son…it's quite normal.
Did you know?
England's Stonehenge is over 5,000 years old.
Don't forget to stand on the right-hand side of the escalator while travelling on the Tube, so others can pass over the left side.
Don't pick your nose nor spit in public - use handkerchief instead.
Don't stare - privacy is highly regarded in the UK. It's impolite to stare on anyone in public.
Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Don't mix the Scottish terms - Scotch is what you drink, Scots or Scotsmen are people of Scotland.
Don't rest your elbows on the table.
Did you know?
England's first great industry was wool.
Don't fail to be a gentleman - open doors for other people, men and women both hold open the door for each other. It depends on who goes through the door first.
Don't greet people with a kiss. Kiss is normally used between close friends and relatives.
Don't wear hats inside buildings if you are a man - it's impolite for men to wear hats indoors including restaurants and churches.
Don't talk loudly in public. When in Scotland make an effort to speak in a low, moderate tone of voice. Talking too loudly in public is sometimes considered offensive and embarrassing.
Don't forget to cover your mouth with your hand when yawning or coughing.
Don't visit someone's home empty-handed. Bring a gift for the host and hostess - a bottle of wine, a bunch of flowers or chocolates are all acceptable.
Don't talk with food in your mouth.
Don't be impolite - say "Excuse me" if someone is blocking your way and you would like them to move out of your way.
Don't smoke before the Loyal Toast (toast at Her Majesty's health) at a formal dinner in Great Britain.
Don't use first names unless you are asked to do so. Use last names with appropriate courtesy titles as "Mr", "Mrs.", "Ms" or academic or professional title. The title Sir is reserved for only those who have been knighted - you have to address the person as Sir and his first name.
Don't forget Republic of Ireland is its own country. Northern Ireland is part of the united kingdom.
Don’t forget the UK is a crowded country - people cope with it by generally being reserved in public, politely ignoring strangers, quietly minding their own business, and marking out and defending their private spaces and homes. They expect others to do the same.
Don’t forget to handshake when greeting (men). Women usually greet with light kisses on both cheeks (”air kisses” where you just touch cheeks and kiss the air), a handshake is common on first meeting. Eye contact is important.
Don't smack or slurp - it's not appreciated.
Don't avoid eye contact business and personal conversations. It's a sign of courtesy.
Don't forget to disrobe completely before you sauna - bring a towel (only) if you are shy.
Don't enter buses, trains or similar before everyone who wants to get out has done so.
Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Don't forget to wear reflectors when riding a bike or walking at dark.
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