We have 260 diplomatic posts in 145 countries – from large embassies to small consulates.

This global network is our biggest asset and tool for influence - we currently have:

• 139 bilateral embassies and high commissions in capital cities
• 101 consulates and other subordinate posts outside capitals
• 10 permanent missions to multilateral organisations like the EU and UN.

Go to our full list of British embassies and diplomatic posts.

A flexible network for a changing world

Our network of embassies and posts must be flexible to meet changing demands of a globalised world.

For example, we’ve increased the numbers of staff we employ in India and China, and reduced staff in our European embassies where we can work directly with capitals from London and through Brussels.

A platform for UK Government

Our global network of embassies and posts provides a platform for the rest of UK Government to tackle some of the key issues affecting Britain today.

For example – our High Commission in Islamabad has staff from the Home Office, Metropolitan Police, Department for Transport, Ministry of Defence and the Department for International Development.

Our staffs’ skills and expertise in languages and diplomacy can be essential for other UK Government departments to work effectively with their foreign counterparts.

The UK’s Overseas Territories

We’re responsible for the security and governance of the UK’s 14 Overseas Territories:

• Anguilla
• Bermuda
• British Antarctic Territory
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• British Virgin Island
• Cayman Islands
• British Sovereign Base areas on Cyprus
• Falkland Islands
• Gibraltar
• Montserrat
• Pitcairn
• St Helena and her Dependencies (Ascension and Tristan da Cunha)
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• Turks and Caicos Islands.

Separate Constitutions

The Overseas Territories are not constitutionally part of the UK. They have separate constitutions, and most have elected governments with varying degrees of responsibilities for domestic matters. The Governor, who is appointed by, and represents, HM The Queen, is responsible for external affairs, internal security, defence, and in most cases the public service.
The criteria for deciding the degree of self-government that is appropriate for Overseas Territories in the context of constitutional modernisation are the following:

(a) any modernised constitution must provide a framework for enhanced good governance and human rights protection;
 
(b) increased Territory self-government is encouraged, but this must be consistent with the United Kingdom's continuing responsibilities for the Territories; these responsibilities include ensuring good governance, a non-political civil service and police force, the independence of the judiciary, the maintenance of law and order, the fulfilment of international obligations, and the minimisation of contingent liabilities;
 
(c) there must be evidence that any proposed new constitution has the support of the people of the Territory concerned; that evidence should as a minimum consist of the endorsement of the Territory's legislative body, as the elected representatives of the people, but additional means of  wider public consultation  are encouraged.

We work in partnership with the territories to:

• promote security and good governance
• strengthen democracy
• improve public services
• protect the environment
• assist in an emergency
• improve law enforcement.

Read more about our environmental projects on the overseas territories.