The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe.The UK has a temperate climate, with plentiful rainfall all year round.The temperature varies with the seasons seldom dropping below −11 °C (12 °F) or rising above 35 °C (95 °F).The culture of the United Kingdom has been influenced by many factors including: the nation's island status; its history as a western liberal democracy and a major power; as well as being a political union of four countries with each preserving elements of distinctive traditions, customs and symbolism...