The United Kingdom is a small group of islands that has played a big role in

world history. At one time, the United Kingdom ruled colonies in Africa, the
West Indies, China, India and, of course, the United States. Because of this, the
English language is spoken all over the world.

Simple Science for Kids on the United Kingdom – Image of London the Capital
of United Kingdom

Wales, to the north of England, supplied coal to the UK for many years. Men
and boys worked in coal mines. Today most of the coal mines have closed.
People in Wales are having trouble finding new jobs.
For many years, people in Northern Ireland have been fighting. The Protestant
people want to stay connected to the United Kingdom. The Catholics want to be
independent. The Irish and British governments are trying to find a solution.

England has been ruled by kings and queens for thousands of years. Today, the
monarchy doesn’t make political decisions. The UK has a multiparty, democratic
government.

 Many great writers came from the UK. William Shakespeare, Jane Austin and
Charles Dickens, considered some of the greatest writers of all time, lived in
England. You might have read Roald Dahl’s books. Dahl wrote “Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory” and “James and the Giant Peach.” And of course, don’t
forget J.K. Rowling, author of the “Harry Potter” series.

 The capital city is London.

 The UK includes 93,282 square miles.

 The population is 64,231,000.

 61 percent of the people in the UK are Christian; 3 percent are Muslim,

while 36 percent are other.
 99 percent of adults can read.

 People in the UK can expect to live 78 years.