Relatively small in land mass, compared to today's world powers, England was, at one time, one of the most powerful countries on the globe. Although, no longer the owner of an vast empire outside its borders, England and its monarchy, are still respected and allies of most of the western world. Neighboring countries surrounding the approximately 50,000 square-mile island, include Wales to the west and Scotland on the north. The east coast faces the North Sea. France lies south, about 22 miles away across the English Channel. France and England are connected by an underground tunnel.