Unit2. Population of the uk basic facts:

Task 1. Read and comment on the facts below.

• Population of the UK : 59,778,002 (July 2002 est.)

• The Ethnic structure of the population: English 81.5%, Scottish 9.6%, Irish 2.4%, Welsh 1.9%, Ulster 1.8%, West Indian, Indian, Pakistani, and other 2.8%

• The age structure: 0-14 years: 18.7% (male 5,732,385; female 5,443,900) 15-64 years: 65.5% (male 19,803,478; female 19,381,734) 65 years and over: 15.8% (male 3,931,463; female 5,485,042) (2002 est.)

• People in Britain are divided into those with Celtic ethnic roots (the Scots, the Irish, the Welsh),those with Anglo-Saxon ethnic roots (the English)and those with Asian and other ethnic roots (the immigrants).

• People in England are also divided geographically: the North – South divide goes from the Severn estuary across to the Humber. The North is largely industrial. The level of unemployment is higher in the North and the level of life is lower.

Task 2. Read the text and discuss it with a partner.

Migration

Traditionally, there is a net population loss from Britain due to migration to the rest of the world, but since 1983 this tendency has been reversed, and in 1987 there was a net gain of 2,000. Between 1983 and 1987 some 946,000 people left Britain to live abroad and about 1-1 million came from overseas to live in Britain, so that net immigration increased the population by about 152.OOO. Of the 210,000 departing residents in 1987, 28 per cent left for Australia, Canada or New Zealand, 10 per cent for other Commonwealth countries, 28 per cent for other European Community countries, 16 per cent for the United States and 6 per cent for the Middle East. Of the 212,000 new residents, 15 per cent came from Australia, Canada or New Zealand, 20 per cent from other Commonwealth countries and 26 per cent from other European Community countries. About half of those coming into Britain, and over half of those going abroad, are British citizens. Many immigrants successfully adjust to life in Britain and prosper. According to the Independent there are more than 300 Asian millionaires in Britain nowadays.

The English

The English nation was formed as a result of mixture of Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans. They are supposed to be very polite, reserved, indirect, though the most violent football fans in Europe are English. Since the English avoid expressing their opinion directly, many outsiders think them to be hypocritical. The English value traditions, time, freedom of choice and independence. They are sportive, fond of animals and nature, practical and inventive. They have a wonderful sense of humour and common sense. Most popular English names in 2000 were: Thomas, Joshua, Daniel, Matthew, Chloe, Emily, Megan, Lauren, Charlotte, Jessica, Hannah, Olivia.

The Welsh

The Welsh originated from Celts. They have a great respect for the elders, like children, but are less sentimental about pets than the English. Wales is famous for its traditions of hospitality and male choirs. The Welsh are more straightforward than the English, and are not afraid to make their opinion known. They are shrewd, though inconsistent and unreliable at times. The Welsh are stubborn and religious. Typical Welsh names are: Willam, David, Thomas. Common welsh surnames are: Morgan, Lloyd, Pugh, Jones. The nickname of the Welsh is Taffy (from David). Some world famous Welsh are: Laura Ashley (a designer), Anthony Hopkins (an actor), Tom Jones (a singer).