Задание 19. Великобритания

The uk and its Culture in Brief

1. What is the official name of the country?

The official name of the country is the United Kindom of Great Britain and Nothern Ireland. It is also known as Great Britain, Britain, the United Kingdom or just GB, the UK.

2. Where is the country situated?

The country is situated on the islands in the northwest of Europe. The country is washed by the Atlantic ocean on the north and the North Sea on the east. The English Channel (or La Manche) separates the country from the European Continent. The UK is one of the world’s smaller countries (244,100 km²).

3. What is the climate of the country?

The country has a mild climate, as it is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. It is never too hot in summer or too cold in winter. It often rains in the country. The weather is changeable and the English often say that they have no climate only weather. Britain is a foggy country. British people are used to the cold.

4. What are the parts of the country?

There are four countries in the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

5. What are the national symbols?

The flag of the United Kingdom is the Union Flag (also referred to as Union Jack). It is a combination of three flags: the Saint George’s cross for England (red cross on the white field), the Saint Andrew’s cross for Scotland (white X on the blue field), the Saint Patrick’ cross for Ireland (red on the white field).

The national anthem is “God Save Queen”.

A national personification of the United Kingdom is Britannia. Britania is symbolized as a young woman wearing a Corinthian helmet and white robes holding Poseidon’s three pronged trident and a shield, bearing the Union Flag (sometimes riding the back of a lion). Britannia is often associated with maritime dominance.

National floral emblems are: the Tudor rose (for England), the daffodil and the leek (for Wales), the thistle (for Scotland).

6. What is the capital of the country?

The capital of Great Britain is London which is situated in the south-east of England on the Thames (river). The capital of Wales is Cardiff. Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital. The capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast.

6. What is the population of the country?

The population of the United Kindom is about 60 milion (1% of the world population). Most people in the country are English, Scottish, Welsh or Irish. There are many immigrant groups in the country. Ethnic minorities of Caribbean, African or Asian origin are concentrated in the cities.

6. What is the official language?

English is the official language. But some people speak Scottish, Welsh or Irish.

6. What are the largest cities?

The largest cities are London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow.

6. What is the official religion?

The official religion of Britain is Chistianity. The Monarch is the official head of the English Church England. Although 68% of the British are Christians but very few of British people go to church. Other religions in Britain are Islam (1.3 million Muslims), Hinduism (350,000 Hindus), Sikhism (400,000 Sikhs) and Judaism. They practice their religion.

6. What industries are developed in the country?

The United Kingdom is a highly developed country. Service industries, especially banking and retailing, have expanded since the Second World War. Heavy industries, including steel manufacture and shipbuilding, have been replaced by high-technology manufacturing industries, such as aeroplane engine manufacture and pharmacenticals. There are many successful small companies which make, for example, waterproof jackets, elite cars, top-quality hi-fi equipment.