Countries of the uk

Countries of the UK .The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which is more commonly known as the United Kingdom or the UK, is a sovereign state that is located off of the coast of Europe. A total of four countries make up the United Kingdom. This includes the island of Great Britain, which is where England, Scotland, and Wales are located. Northern Ireland is also part of the United Kingdom. The capital and largest city of the United Kingdom is London. London is also the capital of England. The other countries have their own capitals as well. Belfast is the capital of Northern Island, Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and Cardiff is the capital of Wales. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), since 1922, comprises four constituent countries: England, Scotland, and Wales (which collectively make up Great Britain), as well as Northern Ireland (variously described as a country, province or region).The UK Prime Minister's website has used the phrase "countries within a country" to describe the United Kingdom.Some statistical summaries, such as those for the twelve NUTS 1 regions of the United Kingdom, refer to Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales as "regions".With regard to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales particularly, the descriptive name one uses "can be controversial, with the choice often revealing one's political preferences".
The climate of the UK The UK’s climate is maritime, moist and temperate, with a moderate annual temperature range. Average annual precipitation in the UK typically ranges from approximately 800 mm to 1,400 mm. The UK climate is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream/North Atlantic Drift which brings warm water into high northern latitudes. Prevailing winds are westerly, thus UK regional climates vary with distance from the Atlantic as well as topography. Continental influences are most strongly seen in the southeast of the country.
. Vegetation and Wildlife of UK. The U.K. was originally a land of vast forests, mainly oak and beech in the Lowlands and pine and birch in the Highlands, with great stretches of marshland and smaller areas of moors. In the course of time, much forest land was cleared and almost all the Lowlands outside the industrial areas were put under cultivation. Today only about 6 per cent of the total land area remains wooded. Extensive forests remain in eastern and northern Scotland and in south-eastern and western England. Oak, elm, ash, and beech are the commonest trees on England, while Scotland has much pine and birch. The Highlands with thin soil are largely moorland with heather and grasses. In the cultivated areas that make up most of Britain there are many wild flowers, flowering plants and grasses. The number of ducks, geese and other water fowl has diminished during recent years. Partridges, pheasants and other large and rare birds are protected by law. Gulls, geese and other sea birds nest near the coast.There are many threats to wildlife and ecological balance around the coast. The biggest threat to the coastline is pollution. More than 3,500 million tons of industrial waste is pumped into the North Sea every year.