'With a population of 63 million people, including millions from countries around the globe, the United Kingdom is a truly multi-cultural and welcoming place.'
The UK's population has changed dramatically in the past hundred years and in 2013 stands at 63.2 million people.
The area of the UK is about 243,600 square kilometres in total, stretching from the Shetland Islands off the north coast of Scotland down to the Isles of Scilly in the south west to Northern Ireland across the sea.
The UK has a long and beautiful coastline totalling 12,500km as well as a varied terrain, ranging from green woodland and meadows to rugged moorland and mountains.
The UK is made up of four different countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each has its unique customs, traditions and heritage offering visitors a huge variety of experiences.
England, with a population of 53 million, is a hugely popular choice with international students. The capital city, London, is itself home to over seven million people and is a major international hub.
Scotland is another popular option for international students. The capital city, Edinburgh, is often described as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Scotland, with a population of 5.3 million, offers world-class teaching facilities, as well as stunning natural scenery.
Wales is the perfect destination for those who want to immerse themselves in UK culture. This small but independently minded country, home to 3.1 million people, offers thriving student cities, such as its capital, Cardiff, alongside world-famous landscapes.
Northern Ireland may be small, but makes up for it in its charm and welcome. Nestled on the north-eastern corner of neighbouring Ireland, it's home to 1.8 million people and several vibrant cities, including Belfast, its capital.
Definitions
There are several names for the different areas of the UK, depending on how they are grouped. They can be defined as follows:
United Kingdom (sometimes written as 'UK'): England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Great Britain (sometimes written as 'GB'): England, Wales and Scotland.
British Isles: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
You can find out more about different regions in the UK - and find out what international students things about them - by using the Education UK interactive map or by reading our regional and city guides.
The area of the UK is about 243,600 square kilometres in total, stretching from the Shetland Islands off the north coast of Scotland down to the Isles of Scilly in the south west to Northern Ireland across the sea.
The UK has a long and beautiful coastline totalling 12,500km as well as a varied terrain, ranging from green woodland and meadows to rugged moorland and mountains.
The UK is made up of four different countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each has its unique customs, traditions and heritage offering visitors a huge variety of experiences.
England, with a population of 53 million, is a hugely popular choice with international students. The capital city, London, is itself home to over seven million people and is a major international hub.
Scotland is another popular option for international students. The capital city, Edinburgh, is often described as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Scotland, with a population of 5.3 million, offers world-class teaching facilities, as well as stunning natural scenery.
Wales is the perfect destination for those who want to immerse themselves in UK culture. This small but independently minded country, home to 3.1 million people, offers thriving student cities, such as its capital, Cardiff, alongside world-famous landscapes.
Northern Ireland may be small, but makes up for it in its charm and welcome. Nestled on the north-eastern corner of neighbouring Ireland, it's home to 1.8 million people and several vibrant cities, including Belfast, its capital.
Definitions
There are several names for the different areas of the UK, depending on how they are grouped. They can be defined as follows:
United Kingdom (sometimes written as 'UK'): England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Great Britain (sometimes written as 'GB'): England, Wales and Scotland.
British Isles: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
You can find out more about different regions in the UK - and find out what international students things about them - by using the Education UK interactive map or by reading our regional and city guides.
