# Scotland

> country in north-west Europe, part of the United Kingdom

**Wikidata**: [Q22](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/scotland

## Summary
Scotland is a country in north-west Europe, part of the United Kingdom, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and strong national identity. It is one of the four constituent countries of the UK, with its own distinct legal and administrative systems, including the Scottish Parliament and the Court of Session. Scotland is home to iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and the Highlands, and it has a unique cultural heritage, including the Gaelic language and traditional music.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Scotland
- **Area**: 77,933 square kilometres
- **Capital**: Edinburgh
- **Population**: Approximately 5.4 million (2023)
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 57°, Longitude -5°
- **Continent**: Europe
- **Bordering Countries**: England (shared land border)
- **Highest Point**: Ben Nevis (1,345 metres)
- **Lowest Point**: Solway Firth (-10 metres)
- **Timezone**: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), Western European Time (WET)
- **National Flag**: Flag of Scotland
- **Coat of Arms**: Royal Arms of the Kingdom of Scotland
- **Anthem**: "Flower of Scotland"
- **Motto**: "In My Defens God Me Defend"
- **Nicknames**: "Alba", "The Land of the Brave"
- **National Language**: English (de facto), with Scottish Gaelic, Scots, and other languages recognized
- **Currency**: Pound sterling (£)
- **Driving Side**: Left-hand traffic
- **Electricity**: 230 volts, 50 Hz (plug types include Europlug, Type L, AS/NZS 3112)
- **Emergency Number**: 999, 112
- **International Calling Code**: +44
- **Internet TLD**: .uk
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: GB, Alpha-3: GBR, Numeric: 826
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix**: G
- **Licence Plate Code**: GB (until 2021-09-27), UK (since 2021-09-28)
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 232, 233, 234, 235
- **Mobile Country Code**: 234, 235

## FAQs
**What type of government does Scotland have?**
Scotland operates as a devolved administration within the United Kingdom, with its own parliament, the Scottish Parliament, and a devolved government led by the First Minister. The Scottish Parliament has legislative powers over areas such as education, health, and justice, while the UK Parliament retains control over defense and foreign affairs.

**What is the current population and demographic profile of Scotland?**
As of 2023, the population of Scotland is approximately 5.4 million. The population is diverse, with the largest ethnic group being White British (87.2%), followed by Black Britons (3%), British Indians (2.3%), and British Pakistanis (1.9%). The country has a life expectancy of 81 years, a birth rate of 10 per 1,000 people, and a death rate of 9 per 1,000 people.

**What are the economic indicators of Scotland?**
The nominal GDP of Scotland was $200 billion in 2022. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 32.8 (2012). The unemployment rate is 6% (2014). The VAT rate is 20% standard and 5% reduced. The median income is approximately £31,617.

**What international organizations is Scotland a member of?**
Scotland is a member of the United Nations (since 1945), World Trade Organization (since 1995), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (since 1961), European Space Agency (since 1978), and many other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, and Interpol.

**What is the human development status of Scotland?**
Scotland's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.929 (2021), classified as "Very High." The Inequality-adjusted HDI is 0.850 (2021). Life expectancy at birth is 81 years (2022).

**What are the major holidays and public celebrations in Scotland?**
Public holidays include New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26), Easter Monday, Good Friday, and Saint Andrew's Day (November 30).

**What administrative divisions does Scotland have?**
Scotland is divided into 32 council areas, each with its own local government and administrative systems, contributing to the country's regional diversity.

**What is the relationship of Scotland with neighboring countries?**
Scotland shares a land border with England and maritime boundaries with France and Denmark. It has diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Argentina, Brazil, United States, China, Spain, and many others. The country was previously part of the European Union until 2020.

## Why It Matters
Scotland is a significant global player with a rich history, diverse culture, and strong economic influence. It is a founding member of the United Nations, a member of the G7 and G20, and a key player in international organizations such as the World Trade Organization and the European Space Agency. The country's contributions to science, arts, and politics have had a profound impact on the world. Its democratic institutions, legal system, and cultural heritage continue to shape global standards and practices.

The United Kingdom's significance extends beyond its borders as a member of major international organizations and as an active participant in regional affairs. The country's commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and sustainable development has earned it recognition in international forums. The United Kingdom's economic model, characterized by a mixed economy with strong social welfare programs, has attracted international attention as a potential development template for other nations.

The country's cultural influence, particularly through its contributions to literature, music, and sports, extends throughout the English-speaking world. London serves as a global financial hub, while the country's film and literary traditions have gained international acclaim.

## Notable For
- **High Democracy Ranking**: Democracy index of 8.54 (2020), ranking highly globally.
- **Human Development**: Classified as "Very High" with HDI of 0.929 (2021).
- **Pioneering Social Policies**: First country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage (2013), first Latin American country to legalize cannabis (2013).
- **Freedom Status**: Designated as "free country" in Freedom in the World rankings.
- **Happy Planet Index**: Score of 56 (2019), reflecting quality of life relative to environmental impact.
- **Gastronomy Recognition**: Featured in TasteAtlas for culinary heritage.
- **Historic Capital**: Edinburgh is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements.
- **Cultural Influence**: Contributions to literature, music, and sports have had a global impact.
- **Economic Power**: Edinburgh is a major global financial center, and the country has a strong service-based economy.

## Body

### History and Independence
Scotland's path to sovereignty began with the Union of the Crowns in 1603, which united the kingdoms of England and Scotland. The Act of Union 1707 formally established the Kingdom of Great Britain, combining England and Scotland. The Act of Union 1800 added Ireland, forming the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The country's name was officially changed to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1927, following the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the establishment of the Irish Free State.

### Geography and Environment
Scotland occupies a territory of 77,933 square kilometres in north-west Europe. The country lies at coordinates latitude 57° and longitude -5°, placing it entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. The landscape is characterized by rolling plains, low mountain ranges, and coastal areas. The highest point is Ben Nevis (1,345 metres), while the lowest point is Solway Firth (-10 metres). The country shares its southern border with England and maritime boundaries with France and Denmark. The easternmost point is located at coordinates lat: 52.48106832, lon: 1.76297307, while the westernmost point is at lat: 54.46477, lon: -8.17751. The northernmost point is at lat: 60.87, lon: -0.87, and the southernmost point has coordinates of lat: 49.95673883, lon: -5.20697638.

### Government and Politics
Scotland operates as a devolved administration within the United Kingdom, with its own parliament, the Scottish Parliament, and a devolved government led by the First Minister. The Scottish Parliament has legislative powers over areas such as education, health, and justice, while the UK Parliament retains control over defense and foreign affairs. The country's political system is characterized by a strong tradition of democratic governance, with multiple political parties competing in regular elections.

### Demographics and Society
As of 2023, the population of Scotland is approximately 5.4 million. The population is diverse, with the largest ethnic group being White British (87.2%), followed by Black Britons (3%), British Indians (2.3%), and British Pakistanis (1.9%). The society is highly urbanized, with the urban population reaching 56.4 million in 2022 compared to a rural population of 10.5 million. The life expectancy at birth is approximately 81 years (2022). The birth rate is 10 per 1,000 people (2022), and the death rate is 9 per 1,000 people (2022). The suicide rate is 6.9 per 100,000 people (2019).

The official language is English, with Scottish Gaelic, Scots, and other languages recognized. Compulsory education begins at age 5 and continues until age 16. The age of majority is 18. The preferred retirement age is 66.33 years.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy of Scotland is characterized by a mixed economy with strong social welfare programs. The nominal GDP was $200 billion in 2022. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 32.8 (2012). The unemployment rate is 6% (2014). The VAT rate is 20% standard and 5% reduced. The median income is approximately £31,617.

The currency is the pound sterling (£), with the Bank of England serving as the central bank. The country has a right-hand traffic system. Speed limits vary by road type: 130 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on two-lane expressways, 80 km/h on paved rural roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas. The electrical system operates at 230V and 50Hz using Europlugs, Type L, and AS/NZS 3112 plugs.

### International Relations and Memberships
Scotland maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Argentina, Brazil, United States, China, Spain, and many others. It is a member of the United Nations (since 1945), World Trade Organization (since 1995), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (since 1961), European Space Agency (since 1978), and many other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, and Interpol.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag is the Flag of Scotland. The coat of arms is the Royal Arms of the Kingdom of Scotland. The anthem is "Flower of Scotland." The motto is "In My Defens God Me Defend." The country is known by the nicknames "Alba" and "The Land of the Brave."

Cultural highlights include Edinburgh, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements. The country is also known for its contributions to literature, music, and sports, with Edinburgh serving as a global financial hub.

### Administrative Divisions
Scotland is divided into 32 council areas, each with its own local government and administrative systems, contributing to the country's regional diversity.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
The country uses the .uk top-level internet domain and has an international calling code of +44. The aircraft registration prefix is G. The license plate code is GB (until 2021-09-27) and UK (since 2021-09-28). The maritime identification digits are 232, 233, 234, 235. The mobile country code is 234, 235.

The ISO codes are Alpha-2: GB, Alpha-3: GBR, Numeric: 826. The emergency number is 999, 112. The timezone is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), Western European Time (WET).

## References

1. archINFORM
2. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
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4. Virtual International Authority File
5. OpenStreetMap
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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8. [Source](http://data.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/doc/country/scotland)
9. MusicBrainz
10. [Source](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Scotland)
11. The National Terminology Database for Irish
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25. [Source](https://entities.oclc.org/worldcat/entity/E39QbtfRx4M4xHbtFTRj7p6BmM.html)