The United Kingdom consists of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and is located on islands separated from mainland Europe by the English Channel and North Sea. The country has a varied landscape that is mostly mountainous in Scotland and Wales but includes plains and hills in southern England. The River Thames flows through London, the capital city. The UK has a temperate climate that is often wet and experiences warm summers and cold winters. The multicultural population is drawn from around the world, making the UK an exciting and welcoming place to live.