The United Kingdom

Getting to know about The United Kingdom of Great Britain

 

 ​​The full name of the United Kingdom is The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which consists of four regions: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Location: Located between the North Atlantic and the North Sea, the United Kingdom is an island country in western Europe. It covers an area of about 244,820 square kilometers and consists of the island of Great Britain (including England, Scotland, and Wales), the northeastern part of the island of Ireland and some small islands.

​​National Anthem: “God save the Queen” (if the reigning male monarch, the national anthem is changed to “God save the King”)

National Flower: Rose

National Bird: Red-breasted Pigeon

National Stone: Diamond

Race: Caucasian (White).

​​Population: According to the latest statistics, the UK has a population of approximately 61.2 million, of which one-third live in the southeast of England (the capital London has 7.2 million). 

Among them, English people accounted for 83.6%, Scots accounted for 8.6%, there were other Welsh people accounted for 4.9%, Northern Irish people accounted for 2.9%, Indians accounted for 1.8% and Africans accounted for 1.8%.

Language: There is no official language in the UK, but English is actually the main language. There are also other official languages outside of England, such as Welsh and Scottish Gaelic. There are other home languages of the world, such as Bengali, Cantonese, Hakka, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.

Currency: At present, the United Kingdom has begun to accept foreign currencies such as the euro and the US dollar, but the main currency is still the pound, 1 pound (£) = 100 pence.

Religion: Residents mostly believe in Protestant Christianity, mainly divided into the Church of England (also known as the Anglican Church, whose members account for about 60% of British adults) and the Church of Scotland (also known as the Presbyterian Church, with 660,000 adult members). There are also larger religious communities such as the Catholic Church and Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Islam.

Capital: London is the political center of the United Kingdom (the seat of the British royal family, government, parliament, and the headquarters of various political parties) and the headquarters of many international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization, the International Union of Cooperatives, the International PEN, the International Women’s League, and the Socialist International , Amnesty International, etc.

Economy: The UK is the country with the richest energy resources among the EU member states, mainly coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear energy and water power, but the main industrial raw materials rely on imports. The UK’s economic aggregate ranks second in the European Union and fifth in the world. The service industry is the pillar industry of the British economy, accounting for 2/3 of the GDP.

National government: constitutional monarchy (adopting a parliamentary cabinet system).

Climate: Britain has an oceanic climate with mild and moderate weather, but the weather is quite variable. You should bring warm clothing and waterproof jackets when you travel to the UK in any season.

Union Jack: The Union Jack is the “Rice” flag, which is composed of dark blue, red and white. The red cross with a white border represents the patron saint of England, George, the white cross represents the patron saint of Scotland, Andrew, and the red cross represents the patron saint of Ireland, Patrick.

This flag was manufactured in 1801 and is made up of the original England white ground red positive ten flag, the blue ground white cross flag of Scotland and the white ground red cross flag of Ireland overlapped.

British National Emblem: The central pattern of the British National Emblem is a shield emblem with three golden lions in the upper left and lower right corners of the shield, symbolizing England; the red lion in the upper right corner symbolizes Scotland; the golden harp in the lower left corner symbolizes Ireland. On each side of the coat of arms are a lion wearing a crown, representing England, and a unicorn representing Scotland. The Garter Medal hung at the bottom of the coat of arms, and the ribbon read “Heaven has God, I have the right.”

 

Introduction to the UK

 

England

England is located in the southeast of Great Britain, south of Scotland and east of Wales. It is the largest, most populous, and most economically developed part of the United Kingdom. Historically, the border between England and Scotland was Hadrian’s Wall. The name of England derives from the “Angles”, and its original name “Engla-lond” means “land of the Anglo”. They came to this place after the Celts and belonged to the Germanic nation.

England is divided into three regions: North, Central and South. In the north is Yorkshire with a strong medieval atmosphere and the famous Lake District National Park; in the middle is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Britain’s idyllic Cotswolds and other popular tourist attractions; the southern region is full of gorgeous manors and elegant English gardens, hot spring bath Bath and prehistoric stone pillars are also here. In addition to the beautiful scenery, England also has a variety of arts and cultural activities and theater performances, making people linger.

 

London (Capital of England)

London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom and England. It is one of the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centers, as well as a favorite tourist destination for tourists. There are many cinemas, bars, clubs, restaurants in London, and there is also a Chinatown in the city. London’s public transport system is very active, with subways, buses, trams, trains and other facilities for travelers to choose from.

Traveling in London is very convenient. One subway ticket can travel all over the city and visit the scenic spots in the city. During the day, you can visit cultural museums, historical sites and palaces. When you’re tired, you can find a park to take a break, or have a leisurely English afternoon tea. At night, whether it’s a music and dance show, various theaters, concerts, or pubs. Or a nightclub, can bring the night atmosphere to its climax.

In addition, the shopping fun that must not be missed is the weekend market, which is different from luxury department stores and elaborate shopping windows. It has more folk local colors and a lively and joyous atmosphere, whether it is Victorian antiques or rebellious. Avant-garde punk outfits, fine handicrafts, or cheap clothing accessories can all be digging for treasures in various large and small cities in London.

There are also many educational institutions in London. The two major higher education institutions, Imperial College London and University College London (UCL) are both ranked as the top ten universities in the world by The Times Higher Education Supplement.

London is rich in cultural heritage, including Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret’s Church, Tower of London (Tower of London), early Greenwich, and located in the South West The Royal Botanic Gardens between Richmond and Kew. The City of London is also home to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen of England.

 

Leeds

Leeds is located in West Yorkshire, England. The whole city is vibrant and rich in culture and history. Leeds has a population of over 770,000 and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Leeds not only has convenient shopping malls, but also amazing architecture, unique parks and museums, as well as world-class sports venues and exciting nightlife. Various entertainment and cultural activities are held in the city throughout the year.

Leeds is the largest financial and commercial service center outside of London, with 30 domestic and international banks, the headquarters of Halifax Direct and the UK business center of the strange consumer finance company. In terms of economic conditions, although Leeds’s service industry employs more than 80% of the labor force, far surpassing the number of people in traditional manufacturing industries, Leeds is still a major manufacturing hub in the UK, with outstanding performance in the fields of engineering, printing, chemistry and food production. . Other emerging industries include media communication and public sector industries.

 

Birmingham

Birmingham is located in West Midlands County, England, and is the most populous city in the UK after London. Known as the “Workshop of the World”, Birmingham was an important town during the British Industrial Revolution.

Birmingham has many museums, art galleries, parks and restaurants, as well as many popular clubs, creating a rich nightlife. Birmingham is also the birthplace of heavy metal music. The two members of Judas Priest, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin are all Birmingham.

 

Lake District

Located in the Lake District on the west side of the north of England, it is known as the Lake District National Park in England’s most beautiful region and one of the most popular tourist areas in the UK. Thousands of tourists come to see the geological changes over the centuries throughout the year. The natural beauty of the lakes, such as lakes, river valleys, mountains, waterfalls, various ingenious natural carvings, the largest lakes, highest mountains, and deepest valleys in England are all in the Lake District National Park, which is the result of geological changes after 10,000 years. The Lake District has bred many literature and artists. The most well-known one is Beatrix Potter, who portrays Peter Rabbit and a group of close friends. Another William Wordsworth is Britain’s most famous romantic poet.

The Canterbury Mountains are slanted across the center of the Lake District. The lake is divided into three major areas: South, North, and West. The largest town in the North District is Keswick, and in the south, Windermere is the main gateway. The large and small towns in the entire Lake District are connected by roads, making it easy to travel.

 

York

York is the city with the most tourists in the UK second only to London. It combines the diverse historical and cultural relics of Rome, Saxon, and Viking rule, plus the well-preserved medieval street architecture, showing the nostalgic and quaint side of York, and it is also important to witness the history of England. The city, coming to York, is like going through a time tunnel to the Middle Ages.

York, with a history of nearly 2000 years, is home to the largest Gothic Cathedral in the UK. Roman times and the Middle Ages are permeated in the city. You can spend half a day wandering around the small shops in the stone paved streets. Of course, you must not forget to board York. Experience the relics of the millennium fortress of the famous Roman walls.

The history of York has driven the local tourism industry, and the transportation of York is very convenient. It is the intersection of the Pennines and the east coast of England. It is also the center of education and business. In terms of education, York University is one of the most successful and popular universities in the UK. In terms of business, the most famous chocolate factory in the UK is in York. The British come to chocolates every now and then. No wonder it is called a paradise for sweets. York is also the main venue for horse racing. The racecourse is located in Nevismeier. The green lawns and the river echo each other. When there are competitions, there are often crowds of people here. British horse racing is quite popular.

 

​​Oxford

Oxford, located in the heart of England, is a beautiful city with a long cultural history. Oxford has approximately 150,000 residents, of which 30,000 are students, and approximately 93 million tourists visit Oxford each year. Oxford has more than 1,500 buildings that have been certified by the country to have long history and cultural value. The Ashmolean Museum, established in Oxford in 1683, is the first museum in the world to open to the public. As for the Peter of Oxford The Pitt Rivers museum has the largest collection of anthropological articles in the world. If you want to go sightseeing in London, it takes only one hour by train from Oxford to London, and there are also cheap buses with frequent round trips that go directly to the capital London, Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport.

Oxford, permeated with a strong academic atmosphere, gave birth to the first university in the UK, the University of Oxford, which gave birth to countless philosophers, poets and scientists within a small area of ​​less than one square kilometer. As one of the best university cities in the world, Oxford is definitely a place with both life function and academic atmosphere. It has all the interesting things and at the same time it is also a place that makes you feel cordial.

Oxford University has famous buildings, museums, boating, punting and scenic riverside walks. The city of Oxford is also full of restaurants, cafes, theaters, cinemas, shops, and even a traditional market established in 1774. Oxford has 30,000 students from all over the world, so it is a city full of vitality, youth and urban atmosphere. Oxford’s main cultural district, Cowley Road, is the most popular place for students. There are various restaurants here. Eating and drinking, here, you can definitely find a restaurant that fits your budget.

 

Bath

Bath is one of the towns listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The story comes from the Romans invading Britain in the 1st century AD, building baths near Bath Hot Springs, and the Sulis Minerva Temple, which is the goddess of water and wisdom. , Making Bath gradually become the hometown of hot springs. Bath still retains the mineral baths left by the Romans at that time; the famous Royal Crescent is known as the most noble street in the UK, and is also a representative of Bath’s classical architecture; the delicious and hearty sally loaf even visits Bath Of travelers and adds rich memories.

Bath is located in the hills of the Avon river valley. Thanks to its outstanding people, many literature, art, musicians, architects, etc. have been created. The most famous one is the talented woman Jane Austen, who once lived here for a while . Many film works were shot here.

 

Brighton

Brighton is the largest city in southern England and a well-known holiday destination. It has more than ten kilometers of sandy beaches, beautiful piers and natural beauty. It also forms an internationally renowned twin city with neighboring Hove. Brighton, located 85 kilometers south of London, is the closest coastal resort to London. Not only can you enjoy the baptism of the beach, sun and sea water, but the intricate laneway area is an excellent place to find strange treasures, full of mysterious oriental atmosphere. The palace adds magnificent colors to Brighton’s relaxed vitality.

The Royal Pavilion is the most distinctive resort in Brighton. It has a breathtaking Indian palace-like appearance. The biggest feature is the strong Chinese flavor of the interior decoration, such as bamboo and rattan stairs, lotus-shaped lighting, ladies Murals and Chinese antique decorations, etc. Other main visit areas include the promenade, king suite, concert hall, banquet hall, etc., which are not to be missed.

The Lanes between the station and the seaside is located in the area southwest of the Royal Guild Hall. It was originally a fishing village. Now it has become an area where many antique shops, open-air coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants are concentrated, full of Latin style. The Palace Pier extends about 500 meters from Brighton Beach. The first half is a snack shop and food stall, and the second half is an amusement park built on the sea level. There are outdoor rides, shooting playgrounds, and electric vehicles. The toy store is a place where young people often linger.

 

Sheffield

Sheffield is well-known internationally for steel production and metal technology, so the “made in Sheffield” brand represents the innovative quality of knives and tool manufacturing all over the world. There are many museums and art galleries in Sheffield, which display the rich industrial heritage of the city and various ancient crafts.

Sheffield is also one of the greenest cities in Europe. Sheffield is located in South Yorkshire, England. There are more than 175 forests and more than 2 million trees in the city. Sheffield’s outstanding performance in horticulture has also become internationally renowned. There are many beautiful parks and flower exhibitions in the city, such as Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Hillsborough Walled Garden, Peace Garden and Winter Garden, etc. In addition, Sheffield has the best indoor climbing range in the UK and a ski resort that is open all year round.

 

Cambridge

Cambridge is only an hour’s drive from the capital, London, and is a must-see attraction for everyone to travel to the UK. Cambridge was originally a small market beside the marsh area of ​​the River Cam. Over the centuries, the various colleges of the University of Cambridge have gradually been established, and students have also come from all over, making Cambridge famous as the university city of the highest institution in the UK. In fact, in addition to the strong academic atmosphere of Cambridge, the ancient and majestic historical buildings of the colleges, the grassy back gardens, and the Kangqiao bracing full of humanistic romantic atmosphere, the beauty of Cambridge is too numerous to enumerate.

The scientific achievements of the University of Cambridge have created a science park in the north of Cambridge. There are about 1,000 science and technology companies established here, and the original traditional market has not disappeared in the city center, forming a fusion of the old and the new in Cambridge, and innovation in tradition. Unique spirit. Tourists who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore the scenery of Cambridge can choose to admire the magnificent Gothic architecture of the chapel of King’s College, and turn from the path to Clare College, Silver Street, which is full of beautiful gardens. It is the famous mathematics bridge next to Queen’s College. There are river punting services on both sides of the bridge. If you are interested, you may wish to experience the fun of riding a bamboo raft on the Kang River.

 

Scotland Scotland

Scotland is located in the north of Great Britain and north of England. It is famous for its tartan pattern, bagpipes, animal husbandry and whiskey. Although Scotland is under the jurisdiction of the British Parliament in matters such as foreign affairs, military affairs, finance, and general economic policy, it has a certain degree of autonomy for internal legislation and administrative management. The scale in the United Kingdom is second only to England.

Scotland is multicultural, with six large cities inside, well-planned transportation, and convenient to everywhere. The capital, Edinburgh, hosts world-class Edinburgh Art Festivals every year, which has an international outlook. Scots speak a strong accent dialect, cultural traditions, administrative systems, laws and education are all in their own right. The local area is also suitable for exploring historical sites, such as Gordon with many castles, the legendary Loch Ness monster, and the most beautiful in Britain The Kurin Mountains and the relics of the Upper Carth nation of Glasgow, the second largest city in Scotland.

 

Edinburgh (Capital of Scotland)

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. It has natural features and a large number of medieval and Georgian buildings. It is known as one of the most picturesque cities in Europe, such as Edinburgh’s medieval palaces, modern buildings, and Gothic churches. People admire, countless museums and art galleries also amaze visitors. Edinburgh hosts a series of unique city celebrations throughout the year. The most famous “Edinburgh Fringe” is the world’s largest performing arts festival.

In addition to the well-known performing arts festival, Edinburgh is also a gateway to Scotland, showing Scotland’s unique customs and unique nationality, such as Edinburgh Castle, mellow whiskey, bagpipers wearing kilts, etc., Edinburgh It can be regarded as a representative of the one and two Scottish customs.

Edinburgh is divided into Old Town and New Town, which was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. Edinburgh is one of the most important tourist attractions in Europe, and in the UK it is the most visited place after London.

 

Glasgow

Glasgow means “to kiss the green grass” in Celtic. Glasgow has the most green areas in Europe. Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland. In the city center, you can see the buildings left over from the Victorian era. There are many luxurious decorations and spectacular stone carvings in the city.

There are many museums and art galleries in Glasgow, most of which are free of charge. In addition, the city is also famous for nightclubs, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. Glasgow is now the 20 largest financial center in Europe, and it has gathered many first-class Scottish enterprises. Glasgow was selected as the European Capital of Culture in 1990, and was listed as the “National City of Architecture and Design” in 1999 because of the native architect C.R. Mackintosh.

 

Wales

The full name of Wales is the Principality of Wales, located in the southwestern part of Great Britain, bordering England on the east, St. George’s Strait on the west, Bristol Bay on the south, and the Irish Sea on the north.

Wales merged with England in 1284 and became the duchy under the jurisdiction of the British prince. It has a strong Celtic culture and traditional Welsh people, and has a bit more cheerful enthusiasm than the conservative British.

Wales is also a place that inspires creativity and culture. The famous British children’s literature writer Roald Dahl and the new British designer Julien Macdonald are all from Wales. Wales has beautiful and pleasant scenery, the famous Prime Minister’s Garden and the National Botanic Garden of Wales near Carmarthen are worth visiting.

 

Cardiff (Capital of Wales)

Cardiff is the business, education, sports, tourism, cultural, media center and government seat of Wales. It is an international city with a high standard of living and a diverse economy. It is known as the seventh largest city in the UK. Cardiff is rich in coal resources. Over the years, it has rapidly developed from a single coal to one of the most beautiful sea ports in Europe. The quality of life in Cardiff is also quite good. Most urban residents live in pleasant suburbs, and it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to take a bus or drive to the city center.

Cardiff’s city centre is located along Queen Street and St. Mary’s Street. There are many restaurants of different sizes and levels in the shopping area. There are many museums and art galleries in the city, most of which can be visited for free. Also worth visiting are the Science Museum, the Norwegian Church, and the Harry Ramsdens restaurant where you can feast on.

Cardiff’s parks and leisure gardens are world-famous, with 1,200 in total! Bute Park and Cardiff Fort are connected, Roath Park and Park Lake are praised by all walks of life, and visitors come in endlessly.

In addition, students from all over the world have made Cardiff full of life. Cardiff University was once ranked among the top 100 universities in the world in the Times Higher Education Special, with the most beautiful buildings in the city and the largest students in the UK. Organization, and there are more and more business talks, exhibitions, medical seminars and academic symposiums taking place here.

 

Swansea

Swansea is the second largest city in Wales and the 12th largest city in the UK. It is also the location of the first corporate district by the British government. It has been voted as “Britain’s Healthiest City” for several years. There are many parks, The stunning coastal landscape, as well as various cultural activities and medieval castles can be visited.

Swansea’s most precious cultural asset is Oxwich Bay on the Gower peninsula. Travelers who love nature should not miss this place. Oxwich Beach, with its golden sands and unspoilt spectacular scenery, is voted as the best place to travel in the world. The Gower Peninsula is also the location of Three Cliffs Bay (BBC TV hailed it as Britain’s best beach).

 

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a region of the United Kingdom, located in the northeast of the island of Ireland, with an area of ​​14,139 square kilometers and a population of 1,685,000 (the results of the 2001 survey). The capital is Belfast.

Northern Ireland has a lot of outdoor activities to choose from. In addition to hosting the Belfast Festival at Queen’s, the second largest celebration in the UK, there are more than 50 celebrations and activities held here throughout the year. There are five main cities in Northern Ireland: Armagh, Belfast, Derry, Lisburn and Newry, as well as many charming and historic towns. The local area is full of green and unspoiled natural beauty, which has a unique charm; and its unique accent, culture, and booming economy have also allowed many innovative industrial and commercial industries to enter.

 

Belfast (Capital of Northern Ireland)

Belfast culture originally means “Mouth of the River Farset”, located at the mouth of the northeast coast of Ireland, on the southwest side of Belfast Bay. It is the largest harbour in Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom and also politically in Northern Ireland. The center and the largest industrial city, is the seat of the Northern Ireland government, is also the largest metropolitan area in Northern Ireland, and Ireland’s second largest city after Dublin.

Belfast provides various modes of transportation, such as land, sea, air, and rail, but mainly cars. The local nightlife is colorful, filled with various wine shops, clubs and bars. In addition, Belfast has many undiscovered places to explore compared to neighboring Dublin. If you like a city with a pristine look, don’t miss this place.

 

Lisburn

Lisburn is located southwest of Belfast, Northern Ireland, in the beautiful Lagan Valley. Lisburn is a popular shopping destination. There are many retail outlets in the city center. There are also Sprucefield and Sprucefield Park outside the city.

The famous Lagan Valley Regional Park in Lisburn contains amazing relics of ancient history, including the Giants Ring, Duneight Motte and Bailey and the Lagan Canal. In addition to cultural heritage worth visiting, Lisburn’s Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum have also exhibited wonderful exhibitions over the years.

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