Although weakened by economic and political nationalism, the Commonwealth offers the United Kingdom a voice in matters concerning many developing countries. In addition, the Commonwealth helps to preserve many institutions deriving from British experience and models, such as parliamentary democracy, in those countries. The United Kingdom is one of the largest European economies and one of the world's great trading powers. As an international financial center, London is as yet unrivaled. Livestock and dairy farming account for the greater part of production.
British industry is a mixture of publicly and privately owned firms.
Several important industries are publicly owned- steel, railroads, coal, mining, shipbuilding, and certain utilities. Since 1979, the British Government has sold off a number of companies as part of its privatization program. Good medical facilities are available. Living conditions are generally excellent, with no unusual health hazards. London and nearly all UK localities have an automatic dial-through telephone system.