United Kingdom (GB)

The United Kingdom — comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy of 68 million people, and one of the world's leading economies, cultural powerhouses, and global cities.

Capital: London

Region: Europe

Language: English

Currency: GBP (£)

Cost of living: Expensive (index 78)

Emergency: 999

Emergency Numbers

Save these numbers before you need them.

General Emergency

999

Police

999 (emergency) / 101 (non-emergency)

Fire Brigade

999

Ambulance

999

Poison Control

NHS 111 for advice; 999 for life-threatening poisoning. National Poisons Information Service via NHS professionals.

Mental Health

Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7, for anyone in distress). Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): 0800 58 58 58 (17:00–midnight). Childline (under 18): 0800 1111.

Domestic Violence

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24/7, free, run by Refuge).

Child Protection

Childline: 0800 1111 (free, 24/7, for children under 18). NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000.

Road Assistance

AA (Automobile Association): 0800 88 77 66. RAC: 0330 159 1111. Green Flag: 0800 051 0636. Call the number on your breakdown cover policy.

NHS 111

111

NHS 111 is the non-emergency medical helpline for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. A nurse or advisor will triage your call and direct you to the right care: GP, pharmacy, urgent treatment centre, or A&E (Accident and Emergency). Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also accessible at 111.nhs.uk. Calls are free from any landline or mobile.

24/7

How to call emergency services in United Kingdom

999 connects immediately to an operator who will ask "Which service?" — state Police, Fire, or Ambulance clearly. Works from any phone without credit or SIM card. Operators speak English; translation available for other languages. Give your location (postcode if known), describe the emergency, and stay on the line. 112 also works in the UK (EU standard) and routes to 999.