10 Facts About The UK

The United Kingdom, commonly known as the UK, is a small yet powerful nation located in Europe. The country has a rich history that spans thousands of years with iconic landmarks like Stonehenge and Buckingham Palace. It boasts a diverse culture influenced by various historical events such as the Industrial Revolution and the Beatles phenomenon. Football (or soccer) is almost a religion here, and fish and chips are an all-time favourite dish for many locals. Despite its small size, the UK remains one of the world's leading nations academically, scientifically, economically and culturally.

Here are 10 facts about the United Kingdom!

1. The King of the United Kingdom is the legal owner of one-sixth of the Earth's land surface.

2. The UK comprises of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and 14 Overseas Territories each with their own system of administration.

3. Kate Middleton's contribution to the UK economy was worth 1 billion pounds in 2012.

4. On September 9, 2015 Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning UK Monarch ever surpassing Queen Victoria.

5. Keep Calm and Carry On was originally dreamed up as a way of preserving morale in the event of an Nazi Invasion of Britain.

6. British people drink 165 million cups of tea every day.

7. There is only a 34 kilometer long gap between England and France and they're connected by the Channel Tunnel.

8. The name Big Ben doesn't refer to the famous clock but actually to the bell. Big Ben is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and it's recognized around the world as a symbol of British culture. The bell inside the tower weighs 13.5 tonnes! The clock face is an impressive 23 feet in diameter and is made up of hundreds of individually cut pieces of opal glass. It’s hard to miss this towering structure as it stands tall at 315 feet and when recently restored, its shine can be seen from miles away. As a casual observer you would rarely know that Big Ben has been witness to numerous historical moments such as surviving bombs during World War II or lighting up with fireworks for royal celebrations. If you're ever in London, make sure to take a picture next to Big Ben and experience its grandeur yourself!

9. London was the first city in the world to have an underground subway system. The London Underground, or the Tube as it's affectionately known, is a vast and intricate network of subterranean tunnels that stretches for over 270 miles beneath the bustling city streets. It may seem like a daunting feat to navigate, but once you've gotten the hang of it, travelling on the Tube can be an efficient and affordable way to get around the city. With its iconic signage and unique architecture, riding on a well-lit train through darkened tunnels is a quintessential London experience. Whether you're commuting to work or exploring new neighborhoods, there's something undeniably exciting about navigating this underground maze that snakes its way beneath one of the world's most vibrant cities.

10. There have been over 10 reported sightings of Nessie lurking around Loch Ness in Scotland. The Loch Ness monster, or "Nessie" as she is affectionately called by locals, is a legendary creature believed to inhabit Scotland's largest freshwater lake - Loch Ness. The first sighting of Nessie dates back to the 6th century, with numerous reports of sightings ever since. While many people believe that Nessie is a plesiosaur or some unknown prehistoric dinosaur, skeptics argue that there is little evidence to support this claim. Despite many expeditions and efforts to find conclusive evidence of her existence, the mystery surrounding the Loch Ness monster prevails, making it one of the most famous and intriguing cryptozoological legends in the world. Whether you are a believer or not, visiting Loch Ness and hearing tales from locals about their encounters with Nessie can be an exciting adventure.