The top-level division of administrative geography in the UK is the four countries - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
As well as the national government at Westminster, there are also devolved administrations in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
The UK and its countries: facts and figures
| UK | England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | |
| Area (km2) | 248531.52 | 132937.69 | 80239.47 | 21224.63 | 14129.72 |
| Population*
(millions) |
62.3 | 52.2 | 5.2 | 3.0 | 1.8 |
| Popn. density*
(per km2) |
257 | 401 | 67 | 145 | 133 |
| Highest
Mountain |
Ben Nevis
(1,344m) |
Scafell Pike
(978m) |
Ben Nevis
(1,344m) |
Snowdon
(1,085m) |
Slieve Donard
(852m) |
| Longest
River |
Severn**
(354km) |
Thames
(346km) |
Tay/Tummel
(188km) |
Towy
(121km) |
Bann
(122km) |
| Largest
Lake |
Lough Neagh
(383km2) |
Windermere
(14.7km2) |
Loch Lomond
(71km2) |
Lake Vyrnwy
(4.5km2) |
Lough Neagh
(383km2) |
* Mid-2010 population estimates.
** The Severn rises in Wales and flows through England to its estuary in the Bristol Channel.
The Thames and the Towy are the longest rivers entirely in England and Wales respectively.
