Currency: Pound sterling £.

Cost and Standard of living:

Compared with many countries, the cost of living in Britain is high, especially for food and consumer goods. Although there is a large difference between the rich and expensive south compared to the ‘poor' and less expensive north of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Taxes and duty on cars, petrol, alcohol and tobacco are high.

London is one of the world most expensive city to live in. This is mainly due to the high cost property.

Interest rates: 4.75% (January 2005)