![United Kingdom [Shutterstock]](https://2017-2021.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/UK-2109x1406.jpg)
International Travel Information
What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc.
International Travel Information: Learn MoreHighlights
January 9, 2021
January 8, 2021
U.S. Relationship
U.S.-United Kingdom Relations
The United States has no closer partner than the United Kingdom. Following the end of the American Revolution in 1783, the United Kingdom officially recognized American independence, and in 1785, our two countries established diplomatic relations. Other than a brief break in relations during the War of 1812, the United States and the United Kingdom have remained durable partners and Allies. Our partnership is the foundation of our mutual prosperity and security.
U.S. Assistance to United Kingdom
The International Fund for Ireland (IFI), created in 1986, provides funding for projects to generate cross-community engagement and economic opportunity in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Since the IFI’s establishment, the United States and EU have contributed the majority of funds, with the United States allocating more than $540 million.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Mutual trade and investment are at the heart of our prosperity, and our commitment to free market values enables our economies to thrive. The United States and the United Kingdom are the world’s first and fifth largest economies in the world. We currently trade over $260 billion worth of goods and services each year. We are each other’s number one source of foreign direct investment and two-way direct investment totals over $1 trillion.
![United Kingdom Flag: blue field with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland); properly known as the Union Flag, but commonly called the Union Jack; the design and colors (especially the Blue Ensign) have been the basis for a number of other flags including other Commonwealth countries and their constituent states or provinces, and British overseas territories. [CIA World Fact Book]](https://2017-2021.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/uk-lgflag.gif){kind=small}