United Kingdom🇬🇧
The United Kingdom is located in Western Europe. It is an archipelago that includes the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean with the North Sea in the east, the English Channel in the south and the Celtic Sea in the south-west, giving it the 12th-longest coastline in the world. The Irish Sea separates Great Britain and Ireland. The United Kingdom shares land borders with only one country – Ireland. The UK is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stately architecture. Cities such as London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Cambridge are renowned for their numerous attractions like Big Ben, the British Museum, Edinburgh Castle, and the University of Cambridge. The Lakes District, the Scottish Highlands, and the coasts of Wales offer breathtaking natural landscapes. The UK is also famous for its traditions such as afternoon tea and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. With a plethora of things to do and see, the UK is certainly a special country to visit.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Don't disregard the 'Queue' culture, failing to adhere to queuing etiquette can be seen as disrespectful.
- In England and Wales, it is illegal to carry any article, which has a blade or is sharply pointed, in public without good reason.
- Don't walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas, especially in certain areas of larger cities.
- Avoid trying to use old, non-decimal British currency. It's no longer legal tender.
- Do not disturb or remove wildlife or artifacts.
- Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and the monarchy with strangers.
- Avoid getting involved in drugs. The UK has strict drug laws and penalties can be severe.
- Avoid rowdy and drunken behavior, as it's frowned upon and can lead to fines or arrest.
- Avoid making hand gestures that could be interpreted as offensive.
- Don't rely solely on cards for payment. Some places only accept cash.
Overall
9
Crime 🔫
6
The UK has a relative crime rating of 6 with London, Manchester, and West Yorkshire being high crime areas. Violent crime and theft are prevalent but widely depend on the region. Especially in major cities, pickpocketing, mugging and other forms of theft can be common.
Terrorism 💣
6
Terrorism risk is moderate in the UK with a history of attacks mainly motivated by international and Northern Ireland-related terrorism. Recent major incidents include the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 and the London Bridge attack in 2019. Security measures are stringent.
War ⚔️
10
There are no ongoing wars within the borders of the UK so the rating is high. However, the UK has been involved in several international conflicts as a part of multinational forces in recent years.
Natural Disasters 🌊
9
The UK is relatively safe from severe natural disasters with occasional minor earthquakes and floods being the most common. Coastal areas may be affected by storm surges and the country experienced widespread flooding in 2015 and 2019.
Medical Care 🏥
10
The UK has a high standard of healthcare. It offers free healthcare service through the National Health Service (NHS) and also has private healthcare facilities. The country has well-trained medical staff and modern medical technologies.
Tap Water Quality 💧
10
Drinking water quality is excellent throughout the UK. Tap water is thoroughly tested and is safe to drink in all cities and towns.
Disease Burden 🤒
9
The burden of disease in the UK is low. Non-communicable diseases like heart disease and stroke are the top causes of death. The UK has an efficient vaccination program and diseases like malaria or yellow fever are non-existent.
Corruption 💸
8
Corruption in the UK is generally low. However, incidents can occur, such as the parliamentary expenses scandal in 2009. The UK has strong institutions and strict laws combating corruption.
Safety for Women ♀️
8
The UK is generally safe for women but precautions should be taken, especially at night in urban areas. Instances of sexual harassment and assault do occur, but the UK has strict laws against such offenses.
Safety for Queer People 👬
9
The UK is generally considered safe and welcoming for queer individuals with legal protections and acceptance in society. However, instances of hate crimes do occur particularly against trans individuals.
Censorship 📺
8
Although the UK upholds freedom of speech and press, it has strict defamation laws and a history of surveillance dissemination, as revealed by the Snowden leaks in 2013. Its rating lies at 8.
Public Transportation 🚌
10
Public transportation in the UK is excellent, with extensive rail, bus, and subway systems, particularly in urban areas. Accidents and delays can occur but are relatively rare.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Overall, the UK is a safe country to visit or live in. While crime rates can vary depending on the area, most visitors will experience no problems. The risk of terrorism is relatively low but still exists. It’s important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
There are many foreign embassies in the UK, mostly located in London. These include the US embassy, the Canadian embassy, and the Australian embassy, amongst others.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Routine vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Rabies are recommended.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
The UK has a relatively benign wildlife. However, watch out for adders (the only venomous snake), ticks (can carry Lyme disease), and some venomous spiders. Always give wild animals their space.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Nationals from numerous countries are visa-exempt for stays in the UK of up to six months. Others will need to apply for a visa in advance.
💲 Currency
The currency in the UK is the British Pound (GBP). Money can be exchanged at banks, post offices, and currency exchange bureaus.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the UK in nearly all establishments.
💁♂️ Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Yes, it is possible to work and travel in the UK. Young people from certain countries can apply for the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa which allows them to work and travel in the UK for up to 2 years.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living and travel in the UK is relatively high compared to other countries. However, seasonal deals on accommodations, and using public transport or walking for short distances can significantly reduce costs.