The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland comprises the Islands of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and many small islands. It is separated from the coast of Western Europe by the English Channel to the south and by the North Sea to the east. The northern and the western shores are washed by the Atlantic Ocean.

Britain is one of the world's leading industrial and exporting countries. Chief industries are iron and steel, engineering, chemicals, electronics, motor vehicles, metals, machinery, ship-building, aircraft, textiles, cloth, other consumer goods and banking. Metals and metal using industries contribute more than 50% of the exports.

Chief crops: Grains, sugar, fruits, vegetables.