The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to Scotland: Scotland – The oldest monarchy in Europe, the second oldest country in Europe and is the fifth oldest country in the world, preceding France, England and Denmark. It is currently part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the largest island, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the southwest. In addition to the mainland, Scotland consists of over 790 islands including the Northern Isles and the Hebrides.