United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The UK includes the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland, and most of the smaller islands within the British Isles. Northern Ireland shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland; otherwise, the United Kingdom is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel, the Celtic Sea, and the Irish Sea. The total area of the United Kingdom is 94,354 square miles (244,376 km2), with an estimated population of nearly 67.6 million people in 2022.
united-kingdom

Some of the key events about United Kingdom

  • 1066
    The Norman Conquest resulted in the subjugation of Anglo-Saxon England
  • 1215
    The Magna Carta was signed, establishing fundamental rights and limiting royal power
  • 1348
    The Black Death pandemic killed an estimated 30-60% of England's population
  • 1642
    The English Civil War began, leading to years of conflict and political upheaval
  • 1665
    The Great Plague of London killed an estimated 100,000 people
  • 1666
    The Great Fire of London destroyed much of the city's medieval center
  • 1689
    The Bill of Rights was passed, further strengthening parliamentary democracy
  • 1807
    The Slave Trade Act was passed, abolishing the slave trade in the British Empire
  • 1833
    The Factory Act was introduced, improving working conditions and limiting child labor
  • 1845
    The Irish Potato Famine began, leading to mass starvation and emigration
  • 1914
    World War I began, resulting in over 700,000 British military deaths
  • 1918
    Women over 30 gained the right to vote in parliamentary elections
  • 1928
    All women over 21 were granted equal voting rights with men
  • 1939
    World War II started, leading to extensive bombing of British cities and over 450,000 deaths
  • 1948
    The National Health Service (NHS) was established, providing free healthcare for all
  • 1965
    The Race Relations Act was passed, prohibiting racial discrimination
  • 1972
    Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland resulted in the deaths of 14 unarmed civilians
  • 2004
    Civil partnerships for same-sex couples were legalized
  • 2005
    The 7/7 London bombings killed 52 people and injured over 700
  • 2010
    The Equality Act was introduced, consolidating anti-discrimination laws

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

United Kingdom Latest news

New UK budget hits job market: Employment index shows worst drop since pandemic

New UK budget hits job market: Employment index shows worst drop since pandemic

December 9 2024 , 03:31 AM  •  944 views
UK leader plans Gulf tour: Multi-billion trade deals and regional talks ahead

UK leader plans Gulf tour: Multi-billion trade deals and regional talks ahead

December 8 2024 , 07:44 AM  •  1393 views
UK business group downgrades growth outlook after recent budget changes

UK business group downgrades growth outlook after recent budget changes

December 6 2024 , 08:31 PM  •  547 views
Prince William and Trump to witness historic Notre-Dame comeback in Paris

Prince William and Trump to witness historic Notre-Dame comeback in Paris

December 6 2024 , 07:20 PM  •  668 views
British trains stop: Radio system breaks during rush hour

British trains stop: Radio system breaks during rush hour

December 6 2024 , 09:38 AM  •  2311 views
UK delays big tech cloud probe as Microsoft faces billion-pound lawsuit

UK delays big tech cloud probe as Microsoft faces billion-pound lawsuit

December 6 2024 , 09:07 AM  •  647 views
World Bank gets massive money boost - see which countries stepped up

World Bank gets massive money boost - see which countries stepped up

December 6 2024 , 04:11 AM  •  752 views
Global democracy shake-up: France and South Korea face unexpected political mess

Global democracy shake-up: France and South Korea face unexpected political mess

December 5 2024 , 10:43 PM  •  1332 views
Global democracy shake-up: France, South Korea face major political shifts

Global democracy shake-up: France, South Korea face major political shifts

December 5 2024 , 06:43 PM  •  829 views
French leadership crisis: Top official steps down after shocking parliament vote

French leadership crisis: Top official steps down after shocking parliament vote

December 5 2024 , 01:01 PM  •  2056 views
Italy's offshore migrant plan hits wall: Court battles put Albania deal on hold

Italy's offshore migrant plan hits wall: Court battles put Albania deal on hold

December 5 2024 , 11:57 AM  •  2298 views
British minister changes tune on Trump's bold NATO spending plan

British minister changes tune on Trump's bold NATO spending plan

December 4 2024 , 08:13 PM  •  658 views
British police crack down on massive Russian money-cleaning networks

British police crack down on massive Russian money-cleaning networks

December 4 2024 , 07:20 PM  •  807 views
Secret tech-tricks in Baltic waters put ships in danger - heres what we know

Secret tech-tricks in Baltic waters put ships in danger - heres what we know

December 4 2024 , 12:56 PM  •  996 views
South Korean democracy tested: President's overnight military control shocks nation

South Korean democracy tested: President's overnight military control shocks nation

December 4 2024 , 08:37 AM  •  684 views
Billionaire banker gets surprising nomination for top UK diplomatic role

Billionaire banker gets surprising nomination for top UK diplomatic role

December 3 2024 , 11:50 AM  •  3221 views
Top UK government job goes to health department chief with £200k salary

Top UK government job goes to health department chief with £200k salary

December 2 2024 , 09:36 PM  •  1358 views
Global powers challenge ICC's authority as court faces unprecedented pressure

Global powers challenge ICC's authority as court faces unprecedented pressure

December 2 2024 , 02:28 PM  •  839 views
British PM ready to show detailed roadmap as Labour hits rough patch in polls

British PM ready to show detailed roadmap as Labour hits rough patch in polls

December 2 2024 , 01:13 PM  •  4448 views
Kenyan mother seeks justice in decades-old British soldier paternity case

Kenyan mother seeks justice in decades-old British soldier paternity case

December 2 2024 , 01:11 PM  •  116 views
British health system makes unexpected move on youth gender care treatments

British health system makes unexpected move on youth gender care treatments

UK officials stopped certain medical treatments for young people with gender-related needs. This choice puts Britain on a different path than many other countries medical standards

Society, Politics • December 11 2024 , 06:22 PM  •  13994 views
Poland pushes for huge EU defense money pool as Russia worries grow

Poland pushes for huge EU defense money pool as Russia worries grow

Poland wants to lead EU-wide defense funding talks during its upcoming presidency. The plan needs about 500-billion euros over next decade while Europe faces east-side risks

Economics, Politics • December 11 2024 , 04:58 PM  •  6295 views
Global money game: How frozen Russian cash could save Ukraine's defense plans

Global money game: How frozen Russian cash could save Ukraine's defense plans

Western nations hold about $300-billion of frozen Russian money since early-2022. With US support becoming shaky new ideas emerge to use these funds for Ukraineʼs defense needs despite international risks

Economics, Politics • December 11 2024 , 03:03 PM  •  3620 views
Canadian government hits Chinese leaders with new penalties over human rights

Canadian government hits Chinese leaders with new penalties over human rights

Ottawa puts strict limits on 8 Chinese officials linked to actions in Xinjiang and Tibet. The move blocks their assets and stops any financial deals with Canadians‚ while Beijing pushes back against claims

Society, Politics • December 11 2024 , 12:47 PM  •  1554 views
EU plans first-ever penalties against digital attacks from Russia and others

EU plans first-ever penalties against digital attacks from Russia and others

European Union prepares to hit back at cyber-attacks and election meddling with new sanctions package. Brussels aims to punish 19 targets from various countries for undermining EU stability

Politics • December 10 2024 , 09:31 PM  •  936 views
Rich property mogul dumps Tories for Farage's growing political movement

Rich property mogul dumps Tories for Farage's growing political movement

British property developer with deep pockets switches political sides to boost Reform UKʼs chances. Former Conservative donor aims to reshape political landscape before next national vote

Business, Politics • December 10 2024 , 12:43 PM  •  1410 views
UK teams up with Germany to stop dangerous Channel crossings

UK teams up with Germany to stop dangerous Channel crossings

British and German officials signed new anti-smuggling deal aimed at Channel boat crossings. Agreement focuses on sharing intel and making changes to German law to stop storage of boats used for crossings

Society, Politics • December 10 2024 , 12:34 PM  •  1533 views
UK freezes Syrian asylum process after dramatic changes in Damascus

UK freezes Syrian asylum process after dramatic changes in Damascus

British government stops processing Syrian asylum claims following weekend rebel victory in Damascus. European nations make similar moves as ex-president Assad finds refuge in Russia

Society, Politics • December 10 2024 , 12:26 AM  •  1037 views
Global gold smuggling network exposed: US and UK hit back with new sanctions

Global gold smuggling network exposed: US and UK hit back with new sanctions

US-UK authorities target gold-trade networks linked to Russian war financing. Joint operation freezes assets of key players in multi-national scheme while appointing new anti-corruption lead

Economics, Politics • December 9 2024 , 03:59 PM  •  546 views
British finance chief plans first EU meeting since Brexit - what to expect?

British finance chief plans first EU meeting since Brexit - what to expect?

British finance minister prepares for groundbreaking EU meeting to discuss trade improvements. Its the first time since Brexit that UK joins euro-zone ministers gathering to talk about economic ties

Economics, Politics • December 9 2024 , 03:45 AM  •  1031 views
New UK budget hits job market: Employment index shows worst drop since pandemic

New UK budget hits job market: Employment index shows worst drop since pandemic

British employers hit pause on hiring after Labourʼs first budget brings tax changes. Worker demand index drops to lowest point in four years while businesses re-think their employment plans

Business, Economics, Politics • December 9 2024 , 03:31 AM  •  944 views
UK leader plans Gulf tour: Multi-billion trade deals and regional talks ahead

UK leader plans Gulf tour: Multi-billion trade deals and regional talks ahead

British PM sets out for crucial meetings with UAE and Saudi leaders to boost trade partnerships and discuss Middle East situation. The visit includes historic Cyprus stop - first bilateral trip in five decades

Business, Economics, Politics • December 8 2024 , 07:44 AM  •  1393 views
UK business group downgrades growth outlook after recent budget changes

UK business group downgrades growth outlook after recent budget changes

Major UK employer group lowers next years economic forecast due to new budget rules that raise business costs. Different organizations show mixed predictions for UKʼs financial future

Business, Economics, Politics • December 6 2024 , 08:31 PM  •  547 views
Prince William and Trump to witness historic Notre-Dame comeback in Paris

Prince William and Trump to witness historic Notre-Dame comeback in Paris

The iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral opens its doors after a devastating fire damaged it about 5 years ago. **Prince William** and other world leaders will join the re-opening ceremony in Paris this weekend

Politics, Culture • December 6 2024 , 07:20 PM  •  668 views
British trains stop: Radio system breaks during rush hour

British trains stop: Radio system breaks during rush hour

Radio fault between train drivers and signal operators made UK railways stop working this morning. Many trains got cancelled including main airport routes in London area

Society, Business • December 6 2024 , 09:38 AM  •  2311 views
UK delays big tech cloud probe as Microsoft faces billion-pound lawsuit

UK delays big tech cloud probe as Microsoft faces billion-pound lawsuit

British watchdog pushes back cloud market investigation results to early-2025‚ while keeping final deadline intact. **Microsoft** faces new legal troubles over its cloud-service policies in UK and US

Business, Economics • December 6 2024 , 09:07 AM  •  647 views
World Bank gets massive money boost - see which countries stepped up

World Bank gets massive money boost - see which countries stepped up

World Bank secured $100-billion package to support its poorest member-nations through 2028. Countries worldwide increased their donations despite currency exchange challenges

Economics, Politics • December 6 2024 , 04:11 AM  •  752 views
Global democracy shake-up: France and South Korea face unexpected political mess

Global democracy shake-up: France and South Korea face unexpected political mess

Major democratic nations deal with political stand-offs that put their governments in trouble. France sees its cabinet fall while South Koreaʼs president makes a shocking move that backfires badly

Society, Politics • December 5 2024 , 10:43 PM  •  1332 views
Global democracy shake-up: France, South Korea face major political shifts

Global democracy shake-up: France, South Korea face major political shifts

Political systems worldwide show signs of stress as France deals with government collapse and South Korea faces martial law crisis. Multiple nations experience unexpected governance challenges

Society, Politics • December 5 2024 , 06:43 PM  •  829 views
French leadership crisis: Top official steps down after shocking parliament vote

French leadership crisis: Top official steps down after shocking parliament vote

French government falls into disarray after parliament removes PM from office through no-trust vote. Political shake-up leaves country without leadership as crucial budget deadline gets closer

Economics, Politics • December 5 2024 , 01:01 PM  •  2056 views
Italy's offshore migrant plan hits wall: Court battles put Albania deal on hold

Italy's offshore migrant plan hits wall: Court battles put Albania deal on hold

Italyʼs first-of-its-kind deal with Albania to process migrants offshore faces major legal obstacles. Two attempts to transfer asylum-seekers failed after courts questioned the programs legality and EU compliance

Economics, Politics • December 5 2024 , 11:57 AM  •  2298 views
British minister changes tune on Trump's bold NATO spending plan

British minister changes tune on Trump's bold NATO spending plan

British Foreign Minister backs ex-president Trumps call for higher NATO defense spending‚ marking shift from past criticism. UK plans to raise its contribution while supporting Ukraineʼs NATO future

Economics, Politics • December 4 2024 , 08:13 PM  •  658 views
British police crack down on massive Russian money-cleaning networks

British police crack down on massive Russian money-cleaning networks

UK crime fighters broke up two big money-cleaning rings tied to Russian elite and criminals. Joint work with US partners led to many arrests and millions in seized money

Economics, Politics • December 4 2024 , 07:20 PM  •  807 views
Secret tech-tricks in Baltic waters put ships in danger - heres what we know

Secret tech-tricks in Baltic waters put ships in danger - heres what we know

Baltic Sea shipping faces double-trouble with strange Chinese vessels and fake location signals making waters unsafe. Ships captains deal with wrong position data while govts cant do much to stop it

Politics, Science • December 4 2024 , 12:56 PM  •  996 views
South Korean democracy tested: President's overnight military control shocks nation

South Korean democracy tested: President's overnight military control shocks nation

South-Korean leader **Yoon Suk Yeol** made an unexpected move to declare martial law which lasted just hours. Parliament members united against presidents decision forcing immediate reversal of military control

Economics, Politics • December 4 2024 , 08:37 AM  •  684 views
Billionaire banker gets surprising nomination for top UK diplomatic role

Billionaire banker gets surprising nomination for top UK diplomatic role

A well-known financial sector leader receives unexpected diplomatic nomination from former president Trump. The pick comes after interesting shifts in campaign support during election season

Business, Politics • December 3 2024 , 11:50 AM  •  3221 views
Top UK government job goes to health department chief with £200k salary

Top UK government job goes to health department chief with £200k salary

UK Prime Minister makes key change in civil service leadership picking experienced official for top advisory role. The incoming Cabinet Secretary brings decades-long expertise to help implement new policies

Society, Politics • December 2 2024 , 09:36 PM  •  1358 views
Global powers challenge ICC's authority as court faces unprecedented pressure

Global powers challenge ICC's authority as court faces unprecedented pressure

International Criminal Court faces push-back from major nations over high-profile arrest warrants. Courtʼs president warns about threats to its independence while handling cases against world leaders

Society, Politics • December 2 2024 , 02:28 PM  •  839 views
British PM ready to show detailed roadmap as Labour hits rough patch in polls

British PM ready to show detailed roadmap as Labour hits rough patch in polls

After winning elections last summer‚ **Keir Starmer** plans to reveal specific targets for UKʼs development. His government faces challenges with recent polls showing unexpected competition from Conservatives

Economics, Politics • December 2 2024 , 01:13 PM  •  4448 views
Kenyan mother seeks justice in decades-old British soldier paternity case

Kenyan mother seeks justice in decades-old British soldier paternity case

A brief romance between a Kenyan bar worker and British military trainee led to an unexpected pregnancy about 25 years ago. Now her grown-up son joins others in seeking recognition from their soldier fathers

Society, Culture • December 2 2024 , 01:11 PM  •  116 views