The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, comprising England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. London is the capital, and George V, since 1910, has been King of Great Britain and Emperor of India. The coast line measures about twenty-eight hundred miles, and the English navy is equal to any other two. "The sun never sets on her colonial possessions," and her world-trade is the largest of any nation. Manufacturing is the leading industry. Most of the large cities are near the coal-fields in the north central part. London, Liverpool and Edinburgh are the principal ports. England has no fear of losing India, but does not look with favor on Russia's Balkan ambitions. At the same time she is opposed to the spread of a great German empire from Holland to the Ægean Sea, which would upset the English doctrine of small independent states and the "balance of power" in Europe. BELGIUM A democratic kingdom ruled by Albert, since 1909 (capital Brussels). Its length is 165 miles and width 120; the population about 650 to the square mile, composed of Flemish and Walloons--the former of French and the latter of German extraction. Belgium is low and flat in the north; hilly and timbered in the south. The country is well watered and networked with canals. Rich in minerals, it is a prominent manufacturing country. Linens, laces, cottons and woolens, carpets, machines and cutlery are exported, with coal, iron and farm products. The imports are coffee, sugar, petroleum, hides and raw materials. Agriculture is carried to great perfection, but the country is not self-supporting. Brussels is a great manufacturing center, and Antwerp the principal seaport. ITALY The king of Italy is Victor Emmanuel III, whose rule began in 1900. The products are fruits, rice, wheat, silk, olives, marble, etc. Naples is the largest city, and has varied manufactures. Previous to 1859 Italy was divided into separate states. In 1870 Victor Emmanuel, king of Sardinia, united Italy and made Rome the national capital. Austria tried to thwart this movement. England and France were friendly to Italy at that time, and Germany was neutral. ALLIANCES The Triple Alliance was formed by Bismarck, after the Franco-Prussian War. Its object was to strengthen Germany and isolate France. A dual league was made in 1879 between Austria and Germany, which Italy joined in 1880. By this alliance the nations intended to aid each other in defense. Bismarck wanted Russia in the league, but trouble in the Balkans broke off this project. Soon after France formed a league with Russia. Bismarck fell from power in 1890, but the Triple Alliance was still stronger than its rival, until France brought England into the Triple Entente, agreeing to give England a free hand in Egypt in return for the same in Morocco. STRATEGY