United Kingdom
One of the most influential nations in history, the United Kingdom has been ruled for 1,500 years by a long line of compelling and conquering kings and queens. A constitutional monarchy, the United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Each has its own government, culture, and long and storied history.England is the largest Home Nation, permanently settled since the Stone Age and the setting for the United Kingdom's cultured and cosmopolitan capital of London. The mountains of Wales made it a Celtic stronghold, protecting its people and its ancient language, Welsh. Scotland still feels remarkably uninhabited, with its wild lands are wrapped in myth and mystery. Like the rest of the United Kingdom, the pubs of Northern Ireland are located in some of the country's most historic buildings, and its culture is based in music and the arts. The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, although not officially part of the United Kingdom, still pledge their allegiance to the Queen and are popular resort and spa destinations.
Scotland's geography is varied, with lowlands in the south and east and highlands in the north and west, including Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles at 1,343 metres (4,406 ft). There are many long and deep-sea arms, firths, and lochs. Scotland has nearly 800 islands, mainly west and north of the mainland, notably the Hebrides, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands. The capital city is Edinburgh, the centre of which is a World Heritage Site.
Wales (Cymru in Welsh) is mostly mountainous, the highest peak being Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) at 1,085 metres (3,560 ft) above sea level. North of the mainland is the island of Anglesey (Ynys Môn). The largest and capital city is Cardiff (Caerdydd); it has been the Welsh Capital city since 1955, located in South Wales. The greatest concentration of people live in the south, in the cities of Swansea and Newport, as well as Cardiff, and the South Wales Valleys. The largest town in North Wales is Wrexham.