Scotland is a modest little country by land area or by population. Scotland's land area is 30,414 sq mi. By comparison, the author's home state, Illinois is a good deal larger at 57,918 sq mi. Scotland's population, (5,168,500) is less than half that of Illinois (12,901,560). More than 20% of Scotland's population live in the Greater Glasgow area.

Scotland is a hard-working and productive nation, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) equivalent to nearly $200 billion U.S. dollars (USD).

The basic unit of currency in Scotland is the pound sterling (GBP).

 

In 1983, it was decided that a one-pound coin would be more appropriate than the one-pound notes formerly used as British currency. This was due to the fact that one-pound notes had to be frequently replaced because their constant use wore them out.

How high are the Highlands?
The highest point in Scotland is Ben Nevis at 4,409 feet above sea level. Cliffs on the north face rise 2,300 feet above the surrounding terrain and attract about 100,000 climbers each year.

What is the Scottish National Anthem?
Though Scotland the Brave is often played as a national anthem, none is provided by law.

What is the Scottish National Instrument?
Though the Great Highland Bagpipes are often thought of as the quintessential Scottish instrument, bagpipes in some form have also traditionally been played throughout Europe and parts of Africa and the mid-east. There is some debate as to whether bagpipes were to be found in the British isles prior to the fourteenth century, but it is certain that they were known there by about 1380. Bagpipes are certainly a very notable instrument of Scotland.

What is this stuff called haggis?
A traditional Scottish dish, haggis is made from the heart, lungs and liver of sheep chopped with onion, oats, and spices. The mixture is then boiled in the sheep's stomach. Because of limitations on meat products in the United States, American versions are available which are similar to the original, but suited to American tastes. Haggis is also frequently made with beef as well as lamb.

What is the relationship between Scotland and England?
On May 1, 1707, the Acts of Union were passed by the parliaments of Scotland and England. These acts joined the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain. The acts followed the Treaty of Union which had been agreed in 1706. The treaty was not popular in Scotland, and some Scots still hope and work toward a fully independent Scotland.