The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is an island nation in Western Europe, composed of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The country has a rich history, shaped from the 17th to the 20th century by the largest colonial empire in history, the British Empire. It was the leading world power from the early to the late 19th century and is considered the initiator of the Industrial Revolution. Among the most important sights are the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh Castle and the city of Bath.
