Capital of United Kingdom: London
The capital of United Kingdom is London. United Kingdom sits in Europe, has a population of 66,971,395, and uses the GBP. Official languages include English.
Quick facts
- Capital: London
- Continent: Europe
- Population: ~66,971,395
- Area: 243,610 km²
- Population density: 275 people per km²
- Official language: English
- Currency: GBP
- ISO code: GB
How big is United Kingdom?
By population, United Kingdom ranks 21st in the world, holding roughly 0.84% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 78th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. United Kingdom has 275 people per square kilometre, which is about 4.6 times the world average of 59.4. It is more crowded than its size alone would suggest.
Within Europe, United Kingdom is the 3rd most populous country of 46.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to United Kingdom in population are Tanzania (65,497,748) and France (64,626,628).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Guinea (245,857 km²) and Uganda (241,038 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
English is spoken officially in 58 countries in this dataset, including Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados and Belize, and 52 others.
United Kingdom uses the GBP, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
United Kingdom in Europe
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Russia, Germany, France and Italy.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Europe is the block United Kingdom belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for United Kingdom and a page on the flag of United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of United Kingdom?
The capital of United Kingdom is London.
What is the population of United Kingdom?
About 66,971,395, making it the 21st most populous country in the world.
How big is United Kingdom?
243,610 square kilometres, ranking 78th by land area, at a density of 275 people per square kilometre.
What currency does United Kingdom use?
The GBP, which no other country uses.