Scotland

Scotland
Population
 5,116,900
Capital
 Edinburgh
Currency
 Pound sterling
Language(s)
 English, Scots and Scottish Gaelic
Country Code
 44
Scotland is a nation in northwest Europe and one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom. It occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain and shares a land border to the south with England. Apart from the mainland, Scotland consists of over 790 islands. The capital is Edinburgh, the largest city is Glasgow. The climate of Scotland is temperate and oceanic, and tends to be very changeable. It is warmed by the Gulf Stream from the Atlantic, and as such has much milder winters (but cooler, wetter summers) than areas on similar latitudes, for example Copenhagen, Moscow, or the Kamchatka Peninsula on the opposite side of Eurasia. However, temperatures are generally lower than in the rest of the UK. The popular image of Scotland for most travelers, of course, centers on the "Highlands and Islands" - a wonderfully diverse land, Scotland has much to offer virtually any traveler. Scotland has some of the best motorcycle touring roads in the world, although you'll need good weather to get the most out of them. With good surfaces, little traffic outside of the main conurbations and welcoming cafes touring is a real pleasure. It is also possible to hire a motorcycle. Scotland is the birthplace of the game of golf and home to the oldest course in the world, St. Andrews. Edinburgh Festival occurs during late July to Mid September. The Festival is an umbrella term for several festivals, including the International Jazz and Blues Festival, the Fringe Festival, and the Literary Festival.