Scotland (Gaelic: Alba) is one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom. Edinburgh, the country's capital and second largest city, is one of Europe's largest financial centres. Scotland's largest city is Glasgow.

As part of the United Kingdom, the head of state in Scotland is the monarch of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II.

Scotland has self-government within the United Kingdom as well as representation in the UK Parliament. Executive and legislative powers have been devolved to, respectively, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh. Since May 2007, the First Minister of Scotland has been the Rt. Hon Alex Salmond MSP, who is also leader of the SNP party.

For further information on Scotland, please see scotland