<P> Around the end of the 20th century there were major changes to the governance of the UK with the establishment of devolved administrations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland . The statutory incorporation followed acceptance of the European Convention on Human Rights . The UK is still a key global player diplomatically and militarily . It plays leading roles in the EU, UN and NATO . However, controversy surrounds some of Britain's overseas military deployments, particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq . </P> <P> The 2008 global financial crisis severely affected the UK economy . The coalition government of 2010 introduced austerity measures intended to tackle the substantial public deficits which resulted . In 2014 the Scottish Government held a referendum on Scottish independence, with 55% of voters rejecting the independence proposal and opting to remain within the United Kingdom . In 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union . The legal process of leaving the EU began on 29 March 2017, with the UK's invocation of Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, formally notifying the EU of the UK's intention to leave . The article stipulates that the negotiations to leave will last at least two years . The UK remains a full member of the EU during this time . </P> <P> The total area of the United Kingdom is approximately 243,610 square kilometres (94,060 sq mi). The country occupies the major part of the British Isles archipelago and includes the island of Great Britain, the north - eastern one - sixth of the island of Ireland and some smaller surrounding islands . It lies between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea with the south - east coast coming within 22 miles (35 km) of the coast of northern France, from which it is separated by the English Channel . In 1993 10% of the UK was forested, 46% used for pastures and 25% cultivated for agriculture . The Royal Greenwich Observatory in London is the defining point of the Prime Meridian . </P> <P> The United Kingdom lies between latitudes 49 ° to 61 ° N, and longitudes 9 ° W to 2 ° E. Northern Ireland shares a 224 - mile (360 km) land boundary with the Republic of Ireland . The coastline of Great Britain is 11,073 miles (17,820 km) long . It is connected to continental Europe by the Channel Tunnel, which at 31 miles (50 km) (24 miles (38 km) underwater) is the longest underwater tunnel in the world . </P>

Where is the uk located on a world map