Lonely Planet Scotland Guide
Lonely Planet Scotland guide with 2 colour text and improved maps throughout. Extended colour section to inspire travel. 3D illustrations of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, Stirling Castle and Rosslyn Chapel. Better and more focused maps than the competition. New easy-to-use two-colour format. More info..

OS Scotland Map
If you are on holiday in Scotland and looking for a simple map containing all the information you need to make the most of your visit, this map is for you. These easy-to-read maps are packed with essential tourist information, town plans and scenic areas in addition to roads, rail, cycle routes and ground height information. More info...

Facts and Figures About Scotland

Scotland is the second largest country in Great Britain. It is bordered on the west and north by the Atlantic Ocean; on the east by the North Sea and on the south by England.

The national symbols are the Thistle (left) and blue flag with Saltire (Saint Andrew's Cross) right

 

Area: 78,789 sq km (30,420 sq miles) including the islands. About twice the size of the Netherlands and almost the same size as South Carolina in the US. Scotland counts 787 islands from which around 130 are inhabited.

Size: Scotland measures 441 km (274 miles) from north to south. From east to west it varies from 38.8 km to 248 km. The overall coastline including the islands is 10,000 km! (69% of the total UK coastline)

Population: Around 5,2 million (january 2002)

Density: 64 people per sq km (166 per sq mile)

language: English, Scots and Gaelic

Capitol: Edinburgh

Major cities and inhabitants: Glasgow (581,320) - Edinburgh (454,280) - Dundee (142,070) - Aberdeen (183,030) - Inverness (44,220) - Stirling (33,710)

Major towns and inhabitants: Paisley - 74,100, East Kilbride - 73,200, Livingston - 54,740, Cumbernauld - 50,480, Hamilton - 48,900, Kirkcaldy - 48,630, Dunfermline - 46,430, Ayr - 46,070, Perth - 44,820, Kilmarnock - 44,390

Politics: Queen (of the UK): Queen Elizabeth II
First Minister of Scotland - Alex Salmond MSP

Currency: Pound Sterling consisting of the following coins: 1p,2p,5p,10p,20p,50p,£1,£2 and notes: £5, £10, £20, £50, £100
In most countries, the issue of banknotes is the prerogative of the government and its central bank. In Scotland, however, for historical reasons three of the Scottish banks continue to exercise a privilege which first came about in the 17th century. These banks and their notes are the Bank of Scotland, the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Clydesdale Bank

Religions: Majority of the people (3,3 million) are christian. Churches: Church of Scotland (Presbyterian), Scottish Episcopal Church, Roman Catholicism.

Highest Point: Ben Nevis 1,343m

Lowest point: Loch Morar (310 meters deep)

Longest river: River Tay 193 km

Shortest river: River Morar 500 meters

Largest Lake: Loch Lomond 60sq km (40 km long)

Average Temperature: In January 3degr c., July 15degr c. measured in Edinburgh