Country Profile

United kingdom or UK is situated at the northwestern coast of western europe. the united kingdom is under the political framework of parliamentary democracy. It is a constitutional monarchy under the rein of majesty queen elizabeth ii, who is the head of state. The united kingdom is surrounded by the atlantic ocean, the north sea, the irish sea and the english channel. Encompassing 14 overseas territories, the united kingdom is one of the founding member of european union. The united kingdom is spread on the area of total 244,820 sq km with a land area of 241,590 sq km and water area of 3230 sq km. Permanent member of the united nation security council, uk has seen a soaring GDP of $2.147 trillion, with a 80.4% contribution of service sector. Industry and agriculture have a total share of 18.2% and 1.4% respectively. The country has become a powerful financial hub with total export of $415.6 billion. USA, germany, france, ireland, netherlands, spain and belgium are the major exporting countries.

Snapshot

Economic Overview

• The economy is based on Anglo-Saxon model which focusses on liberalisation, free market, and low taxation and regulation.
• Fourth-largest economy in the world and second-largest in the European Union. It is sixth largest by purchasing power parity (PPP) exchange rates in the world.
• Highly developed, diversified, market-based economy.
• The service sector has grown substantially and accounts for 72% of GDP.
• The city of London is a leading international financial center with London Stock Exchange, the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange, and the Lloyd's of London insurance market.
• In tourism, UK is ranked as the sixth major tourist destination in the world. It attracts more than 24 million tourists per year.
• GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca are the second and third largest pharmaceutical firms in the world.
• The agriculture sector is small but has a large coal, natural gas, and oil reserves.

International Trade
Major Export Items
Manufactured Goods, Fuels, Chemicals, Food, Beverages, Tobacco

Main Destinations of Exports
U.S., Germany, France, Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Spain, Italy

Major Import Items
Manufactured Goods, Machinery, Fuels, Foodstuffs

Main Origins of Imports
Germany, U.S., France, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy

Contacts of Trade Ministries/ Associations

Business Visa Rules
The following documents are required :

• Valid/signed passport (valid 6 months; with at least one blank visa page).
• One visa application form completed and signed.
• Two passport size photographs.
• Employment letter.
• Bank statement.
• Proof of departure - computer generated flight itinerary on travel agent letterhead (for tourist visa applicants only).
• Business cover letter addressed to the British Embassy. Letter should state exact nature of business which will be conducted, length of intended stay, and also include business contact information in the UK.

Business Hours
Shops are generally open from 9.00am to 5.30/6.00pm from Monday to Saturday, some close early on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

Public Holidays