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.
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.
Drugs & crime
We use our network of embassies and diplomatic posts to support other UK Government departments and organisations to fight the threat of international drugs and crime to the UK.
Science & Innovation
We use our global network of embassies to promote science and innovation in key developed and emerging economies. We work closely with the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills to achieve this.
Antarctica
Information on how we are protecting Antarctica, and how you can obtain a permit for visiting.
Our work
Read about how we run our global network and the work we do
The FCO in action map has all the latest case studies.
Departmental Report
Read about our Global Network in the latest departmental report
