The United Kingdom of Northern Ireland and Great Britain , or the UK , was the world's great superpower in the 18 th and 19 th century. The country played a vital role in pioneering the industrial revolution and can lay claim to being the spark that started the modernization movement in the early 20 th century. At the height of the British Empire the UK laid claim to almost one fourth of the world's surface inspiring the quote; “the sun never sets on the British empire ”.

Since returning its last colony, Hong Kong , to china in 1997, the United Kingdom has become one of the premier nations in the European Union. With a strong economy, high standard of living, and progressive social reforms, the UK has again become one of the world's most important countries. The UK is comprised of Wales , Scotland , Northern Ireland , and the Channel Islands .

The United Kingdom has a history of immigration and British expatriates can be found in almost every country in the world. In addition to this the United Kingdom has its own large multinational expatriate population, and every year millions of people flock to the country to visit or permanently relocate. With such sights as Stonehenge , Edinburgh Castle , Windsor Castle , and the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London , it is no wonder that the United Kingdom is such a popular tourist destination.

One of the things that concerns many people who relocate to the United Kingdom on a permanent basis is the state of the country's healthcare system. Britain 's healthcare service is a public service. Government run hospitals can be used free of charge by any British national. However, in many cases these hospitals are overcrowded and the quality of treatment is not as high as it would be at the country's many private medical institutions.