Great Britain is one of the biggest and highly developed countries in the world. Britain’s democratic system of government is long established and well tried, and has provided a remarkable political stability. Britain’s overseas relations including its membership in the European Economic Community and its links with Commonwealth countries, enable it to realize international cooperation.

Great Britain has diplomatic relations with 166 countries, bears the responsibility for 14 independent territories, provides assistance to over 120 developing countries and is a member of some international organizations. It is one of the five permanent members of the UNO Security Council. Great Britain is a member of the European Economic Community. The Community defines its aims as the harmonious development of economic activities. It has abolished internal tariffs, established common custom tariffs, and set a goal of the creation of an internal market in which free movement of goods, services, persons, and capital would be ensured in accordance with the Treaty of Rome.

By the middle of 2000 Britain had adopted more laws regulating the activity in the internal market than any other Community member. The Community now accounts for a fifth of world trade. Half Britain’s trade is with its eleven Community partners.

Great Britain takes an active part in the work of the Commonwealth, which is a voluntary association of 50 independent states. The English Queen is recognized as Head of the Commonwealth.

Great Britain promotes sustainable economic and social progress in developing countries. Almost £65 million were spent on disaster relief, help for refugees and emergency humanitarian aid.

Britain’s defence policy is based on its membership in NATO, which is committed to defend the territories of all its states-members.