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The United Kingdom of Great Britain
The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are not part of the United Kingdom. They are largely self-governing with their own legislative assemblies and systems of law. The British Government is, however, responsible for their defence and international relations. See our map of Britain Population: The total population of England is estimated at 50 million, Wales is estimated at 2.95 million, Scotland at 5.1 million and Northern Ireland at 1.7 million people. England has the highest population density and Scotland has the lowest.
England is the largest country of the UK, occupying well over half of its geographical area. Whilst its identity is bound up with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in many ways, it is at the same time a separate country with its own distinct features, history, characteristics and culture. England's population is estimated to reach 52.5 million by 2021. England has a diverse population. For centuries, immigrants have arrived in England from abroad and from other parts of the British Isles, bringing with them their cultures, religious beliefs, customs and languages. Many aspects of English life have been greatly enriched as a result of this diversity. The diverse backgrounds and traditions of ethnic peoples who have made their home in England have influenced the quality and breadth of the arts and of popular culture, as well as business, design, food and other aspects of life.
A strong streak of creativity lies at the heart of the English character. In fashion, design, architecture and the Arts, English creatives are making their mark on the international stage, from creating some of the world's landmark buildings, to show-stopping fashion and thought-provoking art. Originality and the willingness to 'think different' has put the English in the forefront of developments that are helping to shape the modern world, in the fields of science, design, technology or discovery.
Northern Ireland, with a population of more than 1.6 million, consists of six of the nine counties of the old Irish Province of Ulster. Just over 50 percent of the people regard themselves as Protestants and just under 40 percent as Roman Catholics, according to the last census. The remainder belong to religious minorities or choose not to identify their beliefs. The population is expected to grow to 1.75m by 2025. Most Protestants are descendants of Scots or English settlers who crossed to north-eastern Ireland, mainly in the 17th century; they are mostly British by culture and tradition and committed to maintaining the Union with Great Britain. The Roman Catholic population is mainly Irish by culture and history, the majority favouring a united Ireland.
The people are hospitable, friendly and warm - characteristics obscured by television images and news reports over the past three decades. Northern Ireland people have a passion for life and thanks to the strong education system, have a can-do attitude as well as being highly skilled and easily motivated. Long recognised for producing a wealth of talented individuals who have made a real impact on the world stage, Northern Ireland is proud of its sense of social responsibility and generous nature.
Scotland is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the northern part of the island of Britain situated between latitudes 54º38' and 60º51' north and longitude 1º45' and 6º14' west. Scotland is bounded west and north by the Atlantic Ocean and by the North Sea to the east. In the south the border with England stretches for 60 miles, roughly along the line of the Cheviot Hills. Scotland has three natural divisions. The fertile plains of the Lowlands in the south merge into the industrial heartland of central Scotland which in turn gives way to the fast rivers, quiet lochs and picturesque mountains of the Highlands in the north.
An historic event took place in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, in July 1999 when HM the Queen opened the first Scottish Parliament for nearly 300 years. The Scottish parliament has assumed the powers previously administered by The Scottish Office. However, Scotland still remains part of Britain and not all the functions of Government have been devolved.
Wales is essentially an upland country, about a quarter being more than 300m above sea level. Extensive tracts of high plateau and shorter stretches of mountain ranges are deeply bisected by a series of river valleys which typically radiate from the centre of the upland area. The lower lying ground is largely confined to the relatively narrow coastal belt and the floors or lower slopes of the river valleys. The longest rivers are the Dee, Severn and Wye, which fall to the lowlands of the English border. The total population of Wales is estimated at more than 2.9 million representing about five percent of the total British population. The land area represents nine percent of the area of Britain.
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The UK
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You & Me ~ About Britain ~ News ~ Interaction ~ Sports ~ Things To Do ~ Bizarre Bits ~ Gallery ~ Home ~ Top |
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The United Kingdom is made up of the countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Its full name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain, on the other hand, comprises only England, Scotland and Wales. It is the largest island of the British Isles. Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic form the second largest island.
England
One of the defining features of England is its 'green and pleasant' countryside. The vast majority of England's land is rural, and, while most people live in cities, many travel to the countryside for recreation and holidays, where they can enjoy the peace and beauty of the English countryside.
Northern Ireland
Nature has been generous to Northern Ireland, endowing it with a rich landscape of mountains and glens, rolling drumlin hills and island-studded lakes. Although compact in size, it has a rich variety of scenery and cultural attractions, a rapidly growing economy and a first class environment for living as well as doing business.
Scotland
It is the third of the land mass of Britain and accounts for 10 percent of the British population.
Wales
Welsh is a language belonging to the Celtic family, its nearest cousins being Cornish (now almost extinct) and Breton. The oldest living language of Britain and among the oldest in Europe, Welsh has a rich and varied literature, stretching from medieval times to the present day, particularly distinguished by the poetic tradition. The Welsh language is used widely in everyday speech and also in education, the media, public administration and culture. The Welsh name for Wales in Cymru.
