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Lying in northwestern Europe, the United Kingdom (UK) occupies the major portion of the British Isles. It includes the countries of England, Scotland, and Wales, the constitutionally distinct region of Northern Ireland, and several outlying islands. Its only land border is with the Irish republic. The UK is separated from the European mainland by the English Channel and the North Sea. To the west lies the Atlantic Ocean. The most densely populated region is the southeast, while Scotland is the wildest region, with the Highlands less populated today than in the 18th century. The UK joined the European Communities (EC – later the EU) in 1973, and most of its trade is now with its European partners. Leadership of the Commonwealth and permanent membership of the UN Security Council give the UK a prominent role in international politics.