Cyprus has a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The economy is based mainly on specialist agriculture and tourism, though shipping and offshore banking are also major sources of income.
England
Population
49,495,000
Capital
London
Language
English
Religion
Protestant, Roman Catholic, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish
General
The UK has few mineral deposits, but has important energy resources. Agriculture involves mainly sheep and cattle raising and dairy farming. Both forestry and fishing are also important. Major manufactures are food and drinks, motor vehicles, electronic and electrical products. The economy is dominated by service industries, including banking, insurance, finance, business services, retail and catering.
Gibraltar
Population
29,272
Capital
Gibraltar
Language
English, Spanish
Religion
Roman Catholic, Protestant
General
Gibraltar lies on the south coast of Spain at the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. The economy depends on tourism, offshore banking and entrepot trade.
Guernsey
Population
64,080
Capital
St Peter Port
Language
English
Religion
Protestant, Roman Catholic
General
One of the Channel Islands lying off the west coast of the Cherbourg peninsula in northern France.
Isle of Man
Population
73,117
Capital
Douglas
Language
English
Religion
Protestant, Roman Catholic
General
Cool summers, mild winters, humid climate. Main industries offshore banking, manufacturing and tourism.
Jersey
Population
88,915
Capital
St Helier
Language
English, French
Religion
Protestant, Roman Catholic
General
One of the Channel Islands lying off the west coast of the Cherbourg peninsula in northern France.
Malta
Population
380,000
Capital
Valletta
Language
Maltese, English
Religion
Roman Catholic
General
Two thirds of the population lives in the Valletta area. The islands have hot, dry summers and mild winters. The main industries are tourism, ship building and repair, and export manufacturing (chiefly clothing).
Northern Ireland
Population
1,663,000
Capital
Belfast
Language
English, Irish Gaelic
Religion
Protestant, Roman Catholic
General
Northern Ireland has mostly level to rolling interior plains surrounded by rugged hills and low mountain sea cliffs on the west coast. The climate is maritime, modified by North Atlantic currents. Northern Ireland has mild winters and cool summers. Economy is based mainly on export and also benefits from consumer spending, construction and business investments.
Scotland
Population
5,120,000
Capital
Edinburgh
Language
English
Religion
Protestant, Roman Catholic
General
Scotland consists of southern uplands, central lowlands, highlands (which include the UK's highest peak) and islands.
Wales
Population
2,921,000
Capital
Cardiff
Language
English, Welsh
Religion
Protestant, Roman Catholic
General
Wales is surrounded by sea on three sides and has mountainous terrain. The climate is cold and wet with high levels of rainfall all year round. Banking and finance, steel, transport equipment, oil and gas and tourism dominate the economy.