United Kingdom
Leadership of the commonwealth and membership of the UN Security Council give the UK a prominent role in international politics.
Economic Strengths
World leader in financial services. Important pharmaceutical and defence industries. Strong multinationals. Precision engineering and high-tech industries, including telecommunications and biotechnology. Innovation in computer software development. Flexible working practices. Success in controlling inflationary tendencies.
Economic Weaknesses
Manufacturing is in long term decline. Widening public deficit to fund public spending. Inflation rising during 2008. Housing market slowing with price declines in some areas impacting on consumer spending.
| Population | 61,411,912 |
| Capital city | London |
| Currency | British pound sterling |
| World GNP Ranking | 6 |
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| Inflation | 2.5% |
Source: Central Intelligence Agency; The World Factbook, March 2009