Browse additional economic indicators and data sets, selected by Global Finance editors, to learn more about the U.K. economic outlook, debt to GDP ratio, international trade performance and population trends. Rankings of the country best banks and safest banks are also available.
A Sophisticated Banking System
A thriving hub for business, the United Kingdom offers a favorable environment conducive to trade and investment. With an open economy, a large and high-spending consumer market and a wealth of skilled professionals, the country also boasts sophisticated banking and insurance services, robust infrastructure, a transparent tax system, as well as cutting-edge enterprises in the aeronautics, pharmaceuticals and automotive sectors, among others. The United Kingdom also faces challenges. Among them are high public and household debt, inflationary pressures, trade disruptions and economic uncertainties stemming from Brexit.
United Kingdom GDP & Economic Overview
Key Facts
Total Area | 243,610 sq km |
---|---|
Type of Government | Parliamentary constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm |
Capital City | London |
Total Population | 68.122 million |
Median Age | 40.1 |
Total GDP | USD 3,846,930 millions |
Adult Per Capita Income (PPP) | USD 53,911.71 |
The United Kingdom
Trade & Finance
International Trade
Total Exports | USD 752,364 million |
---|---|
Major Exports |
Cars Gold Gas turbines Crude petroleum Packaged medicines |
Major Trade Partners – Exports |
United States Germany China Netherlands Norway |
Total Imports | USD 460,243 million |
Major Imports |
Cars Gold Natural gas Crude petroleum Packaged medicines |
Major Trade Partners – Imports |
China Netherlands United States Germany Norway |
Inbound and Outbound Investment
Data Shows the United Kingdom’s Debt Load To Be Heavier Than Europe’s Average
The chart at left compares the United Kingdom’s debt-to-GDP ratio to the regional average. It illustrates how the country has struggled at keeping its debt burden in line with its national productive capacity.
UK's Leading Companies
Oil | Shell |
---|---|
Bank | HSBC Holdings |
Oil | British Petroleum |
Mining | Rio Tinto |
Consumer goods | Unilever |
Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology | AstraZeneca |
Global Finance Rankings & Awards: The United Kingdom
Global Finance Magazine holds several conferences and awards ceremonies throughout the year to recognize the winning financial institutions and companies in a host of categories including World’s Best Trade Finance Banks, World's Biggest Banks, World's Safest Banks, World's Best Developed & Emerging Markets Banks, World's Best Internet Banks, and World’s Best Investment Banks.
Data Sources:
IMF World Economic Outlook
UN World Population Prospects
World Inequality Report
S&P Global Ratings
Moody’s
Fitch Ratings
IMF Direction of Trade Statistics (DOTS)
UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
CIA The World Factbook
World Bank’s World Integrated Trade Solution
Forbes Global 2000