United Kingdom: flag, capital, currency and history

United Kingdom, officially the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is a country in Northern Europe, Europe. Its capital is London. The currency is the British pound. Languages spoken include English.

Quick facts about United Kingdom

Official name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Capital: London
Region: Europe, Northern Europe
Currency: British pound (GBP, £)
Languages: English
Calling code: +44
Internet domain: .uk
Area: 242,900 km² (93,784 sq mi)
Land borders: Ireland
Demonym: British

Flag of United Kingdom

Download the flag of United Kingdom as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇬🇧.

SVG (vector)

History of United Kingdom

Britain was inhabited by Celtic-speaking peoples when Rome conquered much of the island from AD 43. After Roman rule ended, Anglo-Saxon kingdoms emerged, followed by Norman conquest in 1066. England absorbed Wales in the 16th century, and the Crowns of England and Scotland were united in 1603. The Acts of Union created Great Britain in 1707, and Ireland joined in 1801. Most of Ireland left in 1922, leaving Northern Ireland. Britain built a large overseas empire, much of which dissolved after 1945. The United Kingdom is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy.

Key dates

43Roman invasion begins the conquest of much of Britain.
1066William of Normandy conquers England after the Battle of Hastings.
1215King John seals Magna Carta.
1603James VI of Scotland also becomes king of England, uniting the crowns.
1707Acts of Union join England and Scotland as the Kingdom of Great Britain.
1801Great Britain and Ireland merge to form the United Kingdom.
1922The Irish Free State leaves the Union; Northern Ireland remains.