London – Oxford – Brighton

England is the most populous country in the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west. The country also includes over 100 smaller islands such as the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight.

England’s terrain mostly comprises of low hills and plains, especially in central and southern England. However, there are uplands in the north such as the mountainous Lake District, Pennines, and Yorkshire Dales and in the south west, Dartmoor and the Cotswolds. The former capital of England was Winchester until replaced by London in 1066. Meadowlands and pastures are found beyond the major cities. England’s population is about 53 million, around 84% of the population of the United Kingdom, and is largely concentrated in London.

Brief overview

Full name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Population: 62.8 million (UN, 2012)
Capital: London
Area: 242,514 sq km (93,638 sq miles)
Major language: English
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 78 years (men), 82 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 pound sterling = 100 pence
Main exports: Manufactured goods, chemicals, foodstuffs
GNI per capita: US $37,780 (World Bank, 2011)
Internet domain: .uk
International dialling code: +44