Will they stay or will they go? Scottish voters head to the polls Thursday to weigh in on a referendum that, if passed, could break up the United Kingdom.
There's been a lot of discussion over the past year on the challenges Scotland will face if it chooses to go it alone. Here's a quick recap of the big issues.
For starters, what currency will the new country use?
GEORGE OSBOURNE VIA THE TELEGRAPH: "If Scotland walks away from the U.K., it walks away from the U.K. pound."
The "Yes" camp says Scotland should be able to keep using the pound like it does now, but English officials say that won't happen. Scotland could keep using the pound without English support, but it wouldn't have a say in things like interest rates and borrowing costs.
CNN spelled out Scotland's other options: starting its own currency or joining the Euro, both of which have the potential to take a long time and be a severe drag on the economy.
Speaking of the economy, the independence camp has said it will attract investments with a new, lower corporate tax rate.
But Scotland's financial institutions have threatened to relocate their headquarters to London if the "yes" vote comes out on top.
Prominent economists like Paul Krugman and leaders like former U.S. President Bill Clinton have warned independence carries a large risk of wrecking Scotland's economy and finances.
But maybe North Sea oil will help. An independent Scotland would be able to reap the full benefits of the oil drilled off its coasts, though critics say "yes" campaigners overestimate oil revenue.
How about defense? The debate has seen its fair share of hyperbole, from a Business Insider article on the threat of Russian submarine invasion to a passionate back and forth on whether independence dishonors Scots who died fighting for the U.K.
How about the National Health Service? A confidential report given to the BBC this week said an independent Scotland would face a 400-million-pound shortfall right off the bat.
As you can see, there are a lot of issues to be straightened out if the "yes" vote wins. There's also a lot of uncertainty, which is one of the main critiques of going it alone.
As for where the voters stand on the issue, The Washington Post got their hands on numerous September polls in Scotland showing pretty narrow margins but giving a slight edge to the "no" vote.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
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