Topics%20for%20credit / Other English-speaking countries
.docOther English-speaking countries
Historically large territories in the North America, Africa, the whole Australia, New Zealand, India, Canada, many islands in the ocean were under British rule. After the Second World War the British Empire fell apart. However, long economic, cultural and political ties of these countries with GB were too strong. So a new organization – the British Commonwealth of Nations (Британское содружество наций) came into life. There about 50 independent states. The British Queen is the official head of the Commonwealth. English is the official language in many in dependent countries.
At first, it is the USA. It is situated in the North America. It is the most developed and powerful country in the world. It is washed by the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans and has a territory of 9,000, 000 square km. The national capital is Washington, D.C. The population is about 250 million people; most of them live in cities and towns. It is the land of rivers and lakes; the longest rivers are the Mississippi, the Missouri and the Rio Grande. The USA is rich in mineral and natural resources. The USA became the world leading nation at the beginning of the 20th century.
Secondly, it is Canada. Canada is the 2nd biggest country in the world after Russia. The population is about 28 mln people. Canada is a constitutional Monarchy with the Parliament. The British Queen is the head of the state.
There are 2 official languages – English and French. There are 10 provinces and 3 territories. The capital of the country is Ottawa. The Prime Minister is Steven Harper.
The Commonwealth of Australia is the only country that is the continent. It is a constitutional monarchy. There are 6 states and 2 territories. The British Queen is the head of the state. The capital of the country is Canberra – “bush capital”.
New Zealand is also a constitutional monarchy. It is an island country in the South-West of Pacific Ocean. The country is situated on 2 main islands – The North Island and the South Island. The capital is Wellington. This country has one of the highest living standards in the world.
1. Why was the British Commonwealth of Nations set up? How many countries does it include?
2. What most prominent English-speaking countries do you know?
3. How can you characterize the USA? /Canada? / Australia / New Zealand? What do the last 3 countries have in common?