Diving

DIVING SCOTLAND INTRODUCTION

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%