Foreign Office Facts for Kids

The main building of the Foreign Office in London.

The Durbar Court, a beautiful part of the FCO building.

The Foreign Office is a very important part of the British Government. Its full name today is the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This office helps the UK work with countries all over the world.

The person in charge of the FCDO is called the Foreign Secretary. This job is one of the four most important roles in the British Cabinet. The FCDO's main goal is to protect and promote the UK's interests globally. It also helps British citizens when they are abroad.

What the Foreign Office Does
- Helping British People Abroad
- Working with Other Countries
  - Training for Global Work
A Look at Its History
- How It Became the FCDO
- Its Role in the Past
Images for kids
See also

What the Foreign Office Does

The FCDO has many important jobs. It works to keep the UK safe and strong in the world. It also helps to solve global problems like climate change or poverty.

Helping British People Abroad

One key role of the FCDO is to help British people who are living or traveling in other countries. If you lose your passport or need help in an emergency, the FCDO can assist you. They have offices called embassies and consulates in many countries.

Working with Other Countries

The FCDO sends staff to embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. These staff members are called diplomats. They work to build good relationships with other nations. They also help to share British culture and values.

Training for Global Work

The FCDO trains its staff in many different foreign languages. This helps them to communicate well with people from various cultures. It is important for diplomats to understand the countries they work in.

A Look at Its History

The Foreign Office was first created in 1782. Over the years, it has changed and grown. It has merged with other government departments to become what it is today.

How It Became the FCDO

In 1968, the original Foreign Office joined with the Commonwealth Office. This created the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Later, it also merged with the Department for International Development. This made it the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that we know today.

Its Role in the Past

A long time ago, about a century ago, the Foreign Office played a big part in managing the UK's relationships with many countries. This was during a time when the British Empire was very large. The Foreign Office helped to manage these global connections.

Images for kids

The western end of the FCDO Main Building in 1866, facing St James's Park. It was then occupied by the Foreign and India Offices, while the Home and Colonial Offices occupied the Whitehall end.
New UK Diplomatic Posts – April 2013
The FCDO Main Building viewed from Horse Guards Road, with the Statue of Robert Clive and the entrance to the Churchill War Rooms visible
The Muse Staircase