The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a state on the north-west of mainland Europe. It consists of four different countries, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Each part has its own capital. The capital of the whole United Kingdom is London, which is also the largest city.
At one point in time the British Empire was the largest in the world. The British invaded 171 of the current member states of the United Nations and took over many as colonies. After the step into the independence of the United States of America in 1783, 60 more territories followed. Today, many states are still closely linked, e.g. through the Commonwealth of Nations.
Great Britain joined the European Union in 1973 together with Denmark and Ireland.
British food culture is based on savoury food. The typical dishes associated with Britain are Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Steak and Trifle. Not to forget the hearty breakfast with sausages, bacon, black pudding, mushrooms, beans and egg and the typical afternoon tea with pastries.
The most common last name in the United Kingdom is Smith. The name Smith refers to a smith and is also the most popular surname in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
