Britain's democratic system of government is long established and has provided considerable political stability. Britain is one of the 12 member states of the European Community. Close links are maintained with many other countries, notably within the Commonwealth, which links 50 independent nations. According to a United Nations report on human development published in 1992, Britain ranked tenth out of 160 countries on a human development index that combines life expectancy, education levels and basic purchasing power. Long term improvements in the standard of living have occurred.
More people own their homes and very few houses now lack the basic amenities.
Areas of deprivation remain though, primarily in inner cities. The Government spends some 4,000 million pounds a year on a range of programmes to improve conditions in inner cities. There has been an overall improvement in the general state of health. The decline in mortality reflects factors such as better nutrition, higher living standards, advances in medical science, better medical facilities and improved working conditions. The National Health Service provides a full range of medical services which are available to all residents, regardless of their income.