The United Kingdom is full of contradictions, in different parts of the country you will see a different landscape and can also find a completely different culture. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are all unique countries with their own customs, cultures and traditions.
The United Kingdom is one of 27 members of the European Union (EU) since 1973. London is its capital city of the whole UK, however each part has its own capital: Edinburgh (Scotland), Cardiff (Wales), Belfast (Northern Ireland). The country covers an area of 152,033 square miles, that is 243,253 square kilometers (including land and water area as well).
Tower bridge, London, England / Photo by slideshow bob
Population
The United Kingdom has over 60.6 million of inhabitants. (England 50,714,000; Wales 2,977,000, Scotland 5,108,000; Northern Ireland 1,733,000).
Most of the population of the UK is English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish descent. However, Britain is extremely multicultural country with a strong tradition of national integration and unity.
Languages
The official languages of the UK are English and Welsh. In some areas of Scotland the people use also Scottish Gaelic.
Religion
The largest religion in the United Kingdom is Christianity, practiced by the majority of the population (71%), but there are people that freely practice all other religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Islam. About 23% of the UK population is not religious.
Government
United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy that is based on a representative democratic system. Queen Elizabeth II. is considered the head of state and elected Prime Minister – Gordon Brown – is the head of government.
Economic Profile
The UK is one of the world’s most important trading and financial centre. One of the major and highly profitable economic sectors is agriculture. Primary sources of energy such as coal and oil, form a substantial contribution to the total state budget, but the main strength of the British economy consists of services in banking and insurance.
Currency
The currency in the UK is pound sterling. Its symbol is £ (GBP – Great British Pound)
Climate
The climate on the British Isles is mild with mostly cloudy skies. The weather can vary from day to day, but in the summer (June-August) it is usually warm with temperatures 14 to 30 °C. In winter (December-February) temperature ranges around 1 to 4 °C.
The main official holidays of Great Britain 2012
2nd January New Year
6th April – Good Friday
9th April – Easter Monday
7th May – Early May
4th June – Spring
5th June – Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
27th August – Summer
25th December – Christmas Day
26th December – Boxing Day
