The United Kingdom, located off of the northwestern coast of continental Europe, is comprised of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It is governed under a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary system. Its capital city, London, particularly the section known as the City of London, is one of the two most influential financial centres in the world (the other is New York City in the United States). The United Kingdom is also among the most influential of nations from a political standpoint. It is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, G7, G8, G20, NATO, the OECD, the WTO, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and is a member state of the European Union. The United Kingdom’s official language is English and its currency is the pound sterling (GBP). Alter Domus’ office is located in London.