COUNTRY INFORMATION
Official name
Scotland (part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
Capital
Edinburgh
Coordinates
55°57’ N, 3°12’ W
Location
Scotland occupies the northern part of the island of Great Britain.
Area
Total area: 78 772 sq km
Land boundaries
360 km (the UK)
Coastline
12 429 km (the UK)
Administrative division
Scotland is divided into 32 unitary authorities.
Political system
United Kingdom is constitutional monarchy. Queen (or king) is the chief of state. Monarchy is hereditary. Prime Minister is the head of government and appoints the Cabinet of Ministers. Parliament is bicameral and consists of House of Lords and House of Commons, both with over 600 seats.
Population
5 144 200
Ethnic groups
British (English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish) 92%, other (e.g. Indian, Pakistani) 8%
Religions
Christian 72%, Muslim 3%, Hindu 1%, other 24%