Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) is situated on the British Isles lying off the north-western coast of Europe. The largest islands are Great Britain (made up of England, Scotland and Wales) and Ireland (comprising Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland).

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. Channel Tunnel (Chunnel), a 50-kilometre undersea rail tunnel, links Britain and France at the Strait of Dover.

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. Ben Nevis in Scotland (1,343 metres high above the sea level) is the highest point in the British Isles.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 (354 km long) is the longest river. London, the capital of the UK, stands on the Thames River which runs into the North Sea.

The climate is mild because the warm current of the Gulf Stream keeps Britain warm in winter and cool in summer. The mean annual temperature is about 10^oCentigrade. Snow never lies for long but there is much rain and fog.

The population of the UK is about 63 million people. England's population is about 53 million. Scotland's population is over 5 million, Wales has over 3 million and Northern Ireland has about 2 million.

Great Britain is a highly-developed industrial country. It produces machinery, motors, ships, textile and other goods. Oil and gas are extracted in the North Sea. Agriculture is also highly developed but the UK produces only 60% of the food it consumes. The main farming products are wheat, meat, milk and wool.

The UK is a constitutional monarchy but without a codified constitution. Queen Elisabeth II is the head of State. The monarch reigns but not rules. The real power belongs to Prime Minister who is the leader of the party that wins general elections and has a majority in the House of Commons.

The UK Parliament consists of the House of Lords (they are not elected) and the House of Commons. The UK's three main political parties are the Conservative Party, the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats.

Great Britain is 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.

Answer the following questions in writing and orally:

1. Where is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland situated?

2. What are two largest islands of the British Isles?

3. What channel divides the British Isles and the continent of Europe?

4. What is the Chunnel and how long is it?

5. What seas and oceans is Great Britain washed by?

6. What is the total area of the UK?

7. What is the population of the UK?

8. What is the capital of Scotland?

9. What is the longest river in Britain?

10. What is the highest mountain in Britain. Where is it?

11. Why is the climate of British Isles so mild?

12. What does the UK’s agriculture produce?

13. What countries does the UK consist of?

14. What mineral resources does the UK have?

15. What is the mean annual temperature in Britain?

16. What is the political system of the United Kingdom?

17. Who is the Head of State in the UK?

18. To whom does the real power belong in the UK?

19. What party has a majority in the House of Commons now?

20. What are two Houses the UK Parliament consists of?

Why is the letter E like London? (Because E is the capital of England)

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 about half a million come to work to the City.

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. At the north end there is Elisabeth Tower, called Big Ben until 2012, with the largest clock of the country. The official home of the Queen is Buckingham Palace which was built in the 18th century.Changing of the Guards attract many tourists there.

No.10 Downing Street is the home of Prime Minister.

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. It was also a prison. 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 17^th 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.

Madame Tussauds’ is the museum where wax figures of famous people are exhibited.

The East End of London is the industrial area of London inhabited mostly by the working people who speak the cockney dialect. This district is full of factories, workshops, slums and docks.

London Eye (MilleniumWheel), the tallest Ferris Wheel in Europe, is situated on the South Bank of the River Thames.

London is also famous for its doubledeckers.

WEST END EAST END