The UK today — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover The UK today, part of the What is the UK? chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The correct answer and a clear explanation sit under every question.
Practice questions
Which country makes up about 84% of the UK population?
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
- ✓ England — Correct answer
- Scotland
England makes up about 84% of the total population. Wales is around 5%, Scotland just over 8%, and Northern Ireland less than 3%.
What is the currency of the UK called?
- The franc
- ✓ The pound sterling — Correct answer
- The euro
- The shilling
The UK uses the pound sterling, shown by the symbol £. There are 100 pence in one pound.
Which city is the capital of Northern Ireland?
- Edinburgh
- ✓ Belfast — Correct answer
- Cardiff
- Manchester
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland. Cardiff is the capital of Wales and Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland.
What is the longest distance on the mainland of the UK?
- From Cardiff to Belfast
- ✓ From John O’Groats to Land’s End — Correct answer
- From London to Edinburgh
- From Glasgow to Plymouth
The longest distance on the mainland is from John O’Groats in Scotland to Land’s End in south-west England. It is about 870 miles, or approximately 1,400 kilometres.
In which part of Europe is the UK located?
- ✓ The north west of Europe — Correct answer
- The north east of Europe
- The south west of Europe
- The south east of Europe
The UK is located in the north west of Europe. Most people live in towns and cities, although much of Britain is still countryside.
How many pence are there in one pound?
- 10
- 200
- ✓ 100 — Correct answer
- 50
One pound is divided into 100 pence. UK currency includes both coins and notes.
What is the capital city of Scotland?
- Glasgow
- ✓ Edinburgh — Correct answer
- Cardiff
- Belfast
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. London is the capital city of the UK.
What is the capital city of the UK?
- Belfast
- ✓ London — Correct answer
- Cardiff
- Edinburgh
London is the capital city of the UK. Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh are the capital cities of Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.