The United Kingdom is a country of contrasts and change.

It was once the most powerful country in the world but suffered great losses to its population and economy after being involved in the two great wars of the twentieth century.

Since then the UK has been constantly changing. Traditional industries have closed and new ones have started up, the population is older, healthier and better educated, and its society and culture is increasingly multi-ethnic.

What are the issues facing the UK today? What is its position in Europe? What does the future hold for its people and the environment?

Meet the people of the United Kingdom and learn about the diversity of their lives, from a politician in Wales to a lifeboat volunteer in Tyneside.

It includes maps and graphic panels showing statistics and fact boxes about size, flag, population, religion, currency and language.