The united kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated on the British Isles lying off the north-western coast of Europe.
Its area is about 244, 000 square kilometers. The country is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea and the Irish Sea which is between Great Britain and Ireland. The English Channel separates the British Isles from the European continent.
The UK consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
There are many mountains in Great Britain. The highest mountains are in Scotland, in Wales and in the north-west of England. The rest of the territory consists of flat plains in the east and of lowlands in the south. There are many rivers in Britain. The Severn is the longest river. The Thames on which London is situated runs into the North Sea.
The warm current of the Gulf Stream keeps Britain warm in winter and cool in summer. So, the climate is basically mild. Snow never lies for long, however, there is much rain and fog instead.
The population of the UK is about 59 million people.
Great Britain was originally an agricultural and sheep-farming country. Now it’s a highly-developed industrial country. It exports machinery, vessels, motors and other goods. The chief industries are shipbuilding and textile.
Great Britain is also a country of long-lasting traditions, customs and rich culture. The education received in such universities as Oxford or Cambridge is recognized as one of the best in the world.
The UK is a constitutional monarchy with the Queen being the head of State. However, her powers are limited by the Parliament which consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The main political parties are the Conservative Party and the Labour Party.
LONDON
London is the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the economic, political and cultural centre. London is the largest city in Europe with a population of about 10 million people. It is also the chief port of the United Kingdom. London is situated upon both banks of the Thames. Many bridges cross this river.
London can be divided into four main parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End.
The City is the oldest part of London. It is the financial centre of the UK. There are biggest banks, companies and offices. The Royal Exchange and the Bank of England are here, too. Only a few thousand people live there but more than half a million come to the City in order to work.
The West End is the centre of London where only wealthy people can afford to live. Hotels, supermarkets, best cinemas, theatres and concert halls can be found in this part of the city. It also has many beautiful parks, full of trees, flowers and grass. The most famous one is Hyde Park with its Speaker`s Corner.
Westminster is the administrative centre of London where most of government buildings are situated. Westminster Palace is the seat of the Houses of Parliament. On one of its two towers there is the largest clock of the country known as Big Ben. The official residence of the Queen is Buckingham Palace which was built in the 18th century.
The most famous masterpieces of architecture are the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The Tower of London was founded as a fortress after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Now it is a museum.
Westminster Abbey is a fine Gothic church. British monarchs are crowned and also buried in it. Famous people such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling and many others are buried there too.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of the largest in the world, was designed by Christopher Wren in the 17th century. He was buried there. Admiral Nelson is also buried in this cathedral.
There are many museums and picture galleries. The National Gallery is in Trafalgar Square. Trafalgar Square was named in memory of the battle of Trafalgar won by Admiral Nelson.
The British Museum is famous for its exhibits and the largest library.
Masterpieces of modern art can be found in the Tate Gallery
The East End of London is the industrial area of London inhabited mostly by the working people. This district is full of factories, workshops, slums and docks.