World Country Guide

Area
77,925 sq km (30,086 sq miles).

Population
5,054,800 (2002).

Population Density
64.9 per sq km.

Capital
Edinburgh. Population: 449,000 (official estimate 2001).

Geography
The country consists of the southern Lowland area, a region of moorland and pastoral scenery – where most of the population is concentrated – and the northern Highlands, dominated by the Grampian Mountains and Ben Nevis (1344m/4140ft), the highest peak in the British Isles. The whole of the exceedingly beautiful coastline is indented with lochs (particularly in the north and west). Off the west coast there are many islands, the largest of which are Skye and Lewis, the latter being part of the Outer Hebrides. The Orkney and Shetland Islands lie to the northeast of the Scottish mainland, across the Pentland Firth from John O’Groats.

Government
Following elections in May 1999, Scotland was granted its first parliament in 300 years. The new Scottish Parliament has a considerable degree of autonomy, as demonstrated by its tax-raising powers. The UK government maintains control over issues such as defence and foreign policy. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II. Head of Parliament: First Minister Jack McConnell since 2002.

Language
English. Gaelic is still spoken by some, mostly in the West and Highlands.

Note
For information on religion, time, electricity and communications, see the main United Kingdom section.