The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland occupies most of the territory of the British Isles. It consists of four main parts which are: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

The UK is an island state: it is composed of some 5,500 islands, large and small. The two main islands are Great Britain (in which are England, Wales and Scotland) to the east and Ireland (in which are Northern Ireland and the independent Irish Republic) to the west. They are separated by the Irish Sea.

The total area of the United Kingdom is 244,100 square kilometers. The UK is situated off the west coast of Europe between the Atlantic Ocean on the northwest and the North Sea on the east and is separated from European continent by the English Channel (or La Manche) and the Strait of Dover (or Pas de Calais).

The surface of the British Isles varies very much. The north of Scotland is mountainous and is called the Highlands, while the south, which has beautiful valleys and plains, is called the Lowlands. The highest mountain in Scotland is Ben Nevis (1343 m). The north and west of England are mountainous, but the east, centre and south-east are a vast plain.

The mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of Gulf Stream influence the climate of the British Isles. It is mild the whole year round.

The population of the United Kingdom is over 57 million people. English is the official language. But some people speak Gaelic in western Scotland, Welsh – in parts of northern and central Wales.

England

Of the four parts which make up Great Britain England is the largest, the industrial and most densely populated part of the United Kingdom. The coasts of England are washed by the North Sea, the Irish Sea, the English Channel and the Strait of Dover. No part of England is more than 120 kilometres from the sea.

It is interesting to note that the sea has been important in the history of England. It was a good protection against the attacks of outside peoples. Fishing has always been an important industry, especially in the east. The sea also has a great effect on England’s climate.

The rivers flowing to the east and emptying into the North Sea form deep estuaries well protected from the sea. The greatest port of the country London is conveniently situated in the Thames estuary.

England is mostly a lowland country. There are upland regions in the north and the southwest, but the rest of England is almost flat.

Northern England, Midlands and Southern England – each part of England is different. The Lake District in Northern England with its lakes, mountains and valleys is a favourite holiday area. On either side of the Pennines the plains of Yorkshire and Lancashire stretch to the sea. In Yorkshire swift rivers flow down from the hills into valleys called "dales".

In Southern England are found some of the oldest British settlements and traces of ancient monuments such as Stonehenge.

London

London is situated upon both banks of the River Thames, it is the largest city in Britain and one of the largest in the world.

London dominates the life of Britain. It is a big port and most important commercial, manufacturing and cultural centre.

London is divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End.

The City is the financial centre of the UK with many banks, offices and the Stock Exchange. There are some famous ancient buildings within the City. St. Paul’s Cathedral, the greatest of English churches, is situated here.

Westminster is the historic, the governmental part of London.

The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. The West End can be called the centre of London. The historical palaces, famous parks, best shops, restaurants, clubs, and theatres are here. In the West End is Buckingham Palace which is the Queen’s residence, and the Palace of Westminster which is the seat of Parliament.

The best-known streets here are Whitehall with important Government offices, Downing Street, the London residence of the Prime Minister and the place where the Cabinet meets, Fleet Street where most newspapers have their offices.

It is in the West End that the University of London is centred with Bloomsbury as London’s student quarter.

The port of London is to the east of the City, in the East End of London.