The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a sovereign state, located off the north-western coast of continental Europe. The country includes the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland and many smaller islands. The UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea and the English Channel. It is connected to continental Europe by the Channel Tunnel, which is the longest underwater tunnel in the world (38 kilometres underwater).

Symbols

The name "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" was introduced in 1927 to reflect the granting of independence to the Irish Free State in 1922.

Although the United Kingdom is considered a country, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also referred to as countries. The British Prime Minister's website has used the phrase "countries within a country" to describe the United Kingdom.

Each country has its emblem: England has a red rose, Wales – a daffodil, Scotland – a thistle, Northern Ireland – a shamrock. The flag of the UK is called the Union Jack, which consists of three crosses of St.George, St.Andrew and St.Patrick, representing England, Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively. The anthem is ‘God save the King’ (or Queen). Britannia is a national personification of the United Kingdom, depicted as a young woman with brown or golden hair wearing a Corinthian helmet and white robes. She holds Poseidon's trident and a shield, bearing the Union Flag. At and since the height of the British Empire, Britannia has often associated with maritime dominance, as in the patriotic song ‘Rule, Britannia!’

The United Kingdom is often referred to as Britain, while the adjective British is commonly used to refer to matters relating to the United Kingdom. However, British people may identify themselves as British only, or British and English, Scottish, Welsh, or Irish. Each nation has its spirit, pride, customs and traditions.

Associated with the UK, but not constitutionally part of it, are three Crown Dependencies and fourteen overseas territories. These are remnants of the British Empire which, at its height in 1922, encompassed almost a quarter of the world's land surface and was the largest empire in history. British influence can still be observed in the language, culture and legal systems of many of its former territories.

The UK's official language is English, that has spread across the world, largely because of the British Empire, and has become the international language of business as well as the most widely taught second language. There are also four Celtic languages in use in the UK: Welsh, Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Cornish.

Across the United Kingdom it is generally compulsory for pupils to study a second language. French and German are the two most commonly taught second languages in England and Scotland. In Wales, all pupils up to age 16 are either taught in Welsh or taught Welsh as a second language.