The United Kingdom (consisting of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) is the world's fifth largest economy, and with a population surpassing 60 million, its overall population density and level of energy consumption is one of the highest in the world. In addition to being a member of the European Union and a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the country possesses significant global influence due to its position as permanent member of the UN Security Council. (Source: U.S. State Department / Photo: Flickr)