| a kingdom in NW Europe, consisting of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: formerly comprising Great Britain and Ireland 1801–1922. 58,610,182; 94,242 sq. mi. (244,100 sq. km). Capital: London. Abbreviation: U.K. |
United Kingdom or United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Commonly called Great Britain or Britain. Abbr. UK  (click for larger image in new window) A country of western Europe comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Beginning with the kingdom of England, it was created by three acts of union: with Wales (1536), Scotland (1707), and Ireland (1800). At the height of its power in the 19th century it ruled an empire that spanned the globe. London is the capital and the largest city. Population: 60,800,000. |