Why in news?
The Prime Minister of India visited the United Kingdom for a two‑day trip in late July 2025, making headlines and reminding aspirants about the geography and political structure of the UK.
Geographical overview
- Composition: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland comprises four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. England is only one part of the UK.
- Location: An island nation off the north‑west coast of mainland Europe, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, Irish Sea and the English Channel.
- Mountains: Notable uplands include the Grampian mountains in Scotland (with Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak), the Cambrian mountains in Wales and the Pennines in England.
- Rivers: The Thames flows through London; the Severn is the longest river and has a large tidal range; the Clyde is central to Glasgow’s shipbuilding heritage.
- Neighbouring states: The UK shares a land border only with the Republic of Ireland; maritime neighbours include France, Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Political and historical context
The UK is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. It withdrew from the European Union in 2020 (Brexit) but remains a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a founding member of NATO and the G7. For India the UK is a strategic partner under the 2021 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with cooperation in trade, defence, science, technology and climate action. Negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement continue.
