The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK, or Britain) is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of Europe. An island country, spanning an archipelago including Great Britain, the northeastern part of Ireland, and many small islands, is a great destination with international students as UK universities provide internationally - recognized qualifications of the highest standard. The UK higher education system combines the best elements of tradition and modernity. Some UK universities are among the oldest in the world. The studies in UK provide Academic excellence, Value for money, an international tradition and much more.

Climate

Despite its northern latitude, the United Kingdom generally enjoys a temperate climate, warmed by the North Atlantic Drift, a continuation of the Gulf Stream, and by southwest winds. Mean monthly temperatures range (north to south) from 3° C to 5° C in winter and from 12° C to 16° C in summer. Rarely do temperatures rise in summer to over 32° C or drop in winter below -10° C. Rainfall, averaging more than 100 cm throughout the United Kingdom, is heaviest on the western and northern heights lowest along the eastern and southeastern coasts. Fairly even distribution of rain throughout the year, together with the prevalence of mists and fogs, results in scanty sunshine

Population

The population of United Kingdom in 2003 was estimated by the United Nations at 59,251,000, It was estimated by the Population Reference Bureau that 90% of the population lived in urban areas in 2001. The capital city, London, had a population of 7,639,000 in that year. Other major metropolitan areas in England were Birmingham, 2,271,000; Manchester, 2,252,000; Leeds, 1,433,000; and Liverpool, 912,000. Other large English towns include Sheffield, 503,000; Bradford, 451,000; Bristol, 372,000; and Coventry, 295,000. The major cities in Scotland are Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Languages

English is spoken throughout the United Kingdom and is used worldwide as a language of commerce, diplomacy, and scientific discourse.

Religions

Christianity is the main religion in Great Britain. There were 41 million Christians in 2001, making up almost three quarters of the population (72 per cent). This group included the Church of England, Church of Scotland, Church in Wales, Catholic, Protestant and all other Christian denominations.

People with no religion formed the second largest group, comprising 15 per cent of the population.

About one in 20 (5 per cent) of the population belonged to a non-Christian religious denomination.

Muslims were the largest religious group after Christians. There were 1.6 million Muslims living in Britain in 2001. This group comprised 3 per cent of the total population and over half (52 per cent) of the non-Christian religious population.

Hindus were the second largest non-Christian religious group. There were over half a million Hindus (558,000), comprising 1 per cent of the total population and 18 per cent of the non-Christian religious population.

There were just over a third of a million Sikhs (336,000), making up 0.6 per cent of the total population and 11 per cent of the non-Christian religious population.

Economy

The United Kingdom, one of the most highly industrialized countries in the world, lives by manufacture, trade, and financial and commercial services. Apart from coal and low-grade iron ore, some timber, building materials, hides and skins, and natural gas and North Sea oil, it has few natural resources. Agriculture provides 60% of the food needed with only 1% of the labor force. The United Kingdom is one of the world's largest markets for food and agricultural products and the fifth-largest trading nation. Between 1979 and 1991, the government privatized 46 major companies. Among the major companies privatized were British Telecom, British Gas, British Steel, British Airways, British Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Austin Rover, Cable and Wireless, and ICL.

Tourism, travel, and recreation

The United Kingdom is a popular tourist destination, rich in natural as well as cultural attractions. Landscapes range from farmlands and gardens to sandy beaches, moors, and rocky coasts. Architectural sights include stone and thatched cottages, stately country houses, mansions, and castles. Tourism yields a substantial income from overseas; in 2000, 25,211,000 foreign visitors spent $19.5 billion in the United Kingdom. According to 2002 UK government estimates, the cost of staying in London was $336 per day.

Why are UK programs so great?

Statistics show that the number of Indian students opting for higher studies abroad has consistently been increasing. In recent times, businesses have increasingly become global and are therefore looking for workers with more international exposure. While there are a number of world famous schools in India, they admit a limited number of students. Also, reservations are a reason why many Indian students can't get admissions despite good grades.

International experience

Lower costs
UK programs are significantly less expensive than programs in other top destinations for international students, including the United States. Students save money by paying less every year. As well, programs in the UK are shorter in length, which can decrease total tuition by a large amount. This adds up to savings which are increasingly important in our times of economic uncertainty.
Student Life
The UK is one of the most exciting places in the world. It has a rich history, beautiful landscape, and a great culture. Students would be exposed to new foods, sports, music, and more. They are sure to find great friends in the UK, who may become the most significant people they would meet in life.
Benefits
The experience of studying abroad will add to the sense of responsibility and initiative, and it will give insight into different cultures and ways of life. The students will see new ways of fulfilling their dreams and will also find it easier to communicate, make friends and work with people from all over the world. Apart from the impact on academic training, it has tremendous value as a personal experience that will broaden the student's horizons and propel their career to great heights.