United Kingdom - Country Profile

The United Kingdom (UK), is also known as Great Britain, Britain and England. It has a population of around 60 million people. The UK sits off the coast of northern mainland Europe and is a member state of the European Union (EU).

The UK has a well developed gay/lesbian scene in all major cities.
The most popular gay/lesbian UK vacation destinations are London, Brighton, Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh. However other larger cities also have popular gay/lesbian areas, such as Birmingham and Leeds.

Legally, gay/lesbian citizens have equal rights to heterosexuals in the UK. There is an equal age of consent and same-sex relationships are legally recognized. Same-sex couples can enter into a legally binding Civil Partnership, with identical rights and responsibilities as heterosexual marriage. Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation is illegal in the provision of all goods and services and in all employment in the UK. All major cities of the UK have dedicated Gay/Lesbian Liaison Police and Community Support Officers.

The UK is a relatively expensive country, with high taxes. Sales tax is set at a standard rate of 17.5% but is much higher than this on certain goods such as petrol/gas, cigarettes and alcohol.

If you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), it is highly recommended that you have travel insurance when visiting the UK. In an emergency, the state-run health system, the National Health Service (NHS), will treat anyone free of charge. For emergency health care there is no private sector or choice of provider in the UK, all emergency treatment is provided by the NHS. For non-emergency health care non-UK/EU residents may be asked to pay for health services.

Here are a few more top tips for your vacation in the UK:

1. Don't carry anything that could be used as a weapon. If you are caught carrying any kind of weapon the penalties are very severe.

2. While you're in the UK be sure to spend at least one day in the countryside. Britain's countryside is stunning and not to be missed.

3. Have plenty of cash in the bank. As I mentioned earlier, the UK is an expensive place. There is no need to carry lots of cash as there are ATMs/cash machines everywhere.

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