Independence for Scotland?

Set for a referendum on independence that will more than likely take place in the fall of 2014, Scotland could end the union that formed the United Kingdom in 1707 if the country's ruling party, the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP), has its way. Despite the party's eagerness for the referendum, opinion polls show far less enthusiasm among the Scottish population for full independence, which could adversely affect the country's economy as well as security.

Editor's note: This post has been changed to reflect the correct name of the present ruling party in Scotland. It is the Scottish National Party, not the Scottish Nationalist Party.