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Scotland Facts

Tadashi

Written by Tadashi

Modified & Updated: 23 Sep 2023

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
Edinburgh Scotland

Scotland has stood as part of the United Kingdom for centuries. Despite that, the country and its people continue to stand as a unique culture in their own right. A time might even come in the future when Scotland will completely stand on its own, instead of being a part of another nation. Learn more about its rich culture and history with these 40 Scotland facts.

Quick Facts
Essential Facts
Interesting Facts
  1. Scotland covers an estimated total area of 78,000 km².
  2. Water makes up only an estimated 3% of Scotland’s total area.
  3. An estimated 5.46 million people live in Scotland today.
  4. This gives Scotland a population density of 68 people for every km².
  5. Scotland falls in the GMT+1 time zone.
  1. Humans first arrived in Scotland during the last Ice Age, almost 13,000 years ago.
  2. The Ancients Greeks first mentioned Scotland in written records in 320 BC.
  3. Rome first invaded Scotland in 79 AD but failed to conquer the region.
  4. The Anglo-Saxons invaded Southern Scotland in the 5th century, after the Fall of the Roman Empire.
  5. The Vikings first raided Scotland in the 8th century.
  6. Scotland became a united country between the 12th and 13th centuries.
  7. The 13th century saw the beginning of centuries of war between Scotland and England.
  8. Scotland and England finally formed the United Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707, with the Acts of Union.
  9. Industry boomed in Scotland during the 19th century.
  10. Scotland suffered from turmoil throughout the 20th century.
  1. Scotland keeps its capital at Edinburgh.
  2. Glasgow City makes up its most populated city, though.
  3. Highland similarly makes up its biggest city.
  4. Scotland divides itself into 32 local governments called council areas.
  5. 59 MPs represent Scotland in the British Parliaments.
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