SHOPPING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM:  The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  This prominent constitutional monarchy is an island nation off the NW coast of continental Europe.  Commonly referred to as Great Britain, the UK has a population of app. 62,000,000.  London is the largest city and the capital.  The UK, with its rich history, is one of the world’s most highly developed nations and a world power.  The economy is highly diversified, making shopping in the United Kingdom exciting and convenient.  The country’s culture and traditions provide the traveler with an endless variety of high quality outlets of every variety, so shopping in the United Kingdom is both fun and rewarding.  The UK is a favorite for sightseeing, and shopping in the United Kingdom is punctuated by both fascinating small retailers as well as world-class department stores, such as London’s Harrod’s and Fortnum & Mason.  If London is your base, side-trips throughout most of the UK provide exceptional sightseeing.  Don’t miss Windsor Castle, Westminster, or quaint towns in the New Forest.  These excursions also present fabulous opportunities for shopping in the United Kingdom, with locally produced goods and great gift shops.  When shopping in the United Kingdom, make sure to stop in at the pubs, where the food is tasty—and the local brew even better!  Fashions, silverware, antique stores, great book shops and so much more combine to make shopping in the United Kingdom a dream for travelers and online shoppers.