While England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are categorized as ‘nations,’ they do not possess official independent status. Instead, they are integral parts of the United Kingdom (UK) and are governed by the UK constitution. Each of these four UK nations maintains local governments responsible for overseeing regional matters, such as healthcare and social services. A democratically-elected UK government manages all national and international affairs, including regulations pertaining to student visas and education. 

The UK’s capital city, and also the largest city, is London, which additionally serves as the capital of England. The capitals of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast, respectively. 

With an estimated population of 67.7 million as of 2019, the UK is a highly diverse nation, encompassing individuals from a wide array of cultural and religious backgrounds. In fact, nearly 15% of its residents identify themselves as belonging to an ethnic minority.