United Kingdom Map

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, also mononymously known as the United Kingdom or Britain, comprises an area that totals to almost 94,354 square miles. The residents of the nation account for a population of approximately 67 million people. The state, through its historical course, has developed a constitutional form of monarchy that is accountable to the parliament.

In terms of its neighbors, the region of Northern Ireland shares a land boundary with the Republic of Ireland. Keeping this aside, the country is also surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel, the Celtic Sea, and the Irish Sea. Its capital city is London, which is also its largest city.

Being one of the first countries to be industrialized, the country stood out as the world's superpower for the majority of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Possessing a viable stance in the arena of world politics, the country is one of the five permanent members of the peacekeeping body of the United Nations Security Council. The UK has a diverse economy and is a major player in international trade, finance, and technology.

History

Spanning over a period of thousands of years, the history of the glorious nation began with the ancient Celtic tribes that lived on the British Isles. The Romans came forward to occupy Britain in the first century AD, which was followed by the Anglo-Saxons in the fifth and sixth centuries. The Normans were soon to arrive in England in 1066, and they established a feudal system that promulgated and was carried on for centuries.

It was on May 1, 1707, that the Acts of Union 1707 led to the formation of the Kingdom of Great Britain. This was a consequence of the coming together of the Kingdoms of Scotland and England. However, this was not the end but the beginning of an era, as the political events that followed shaped the boundaries as well as the ideologies. The Kingdom of Ireland was incorporated during 1801, which accounts for a major shift that occurred during the period in the continent on Europe.

The British merchants also played an inherent role in the Atlantic slave trade between 1662 and 1807, as ships propelled the transportation of slaves, leading to the movement of almost 3.3 million slaves to and from Africa. However, following the absolutism movement, all this was put to an end as the British Parliament banned slavery in the empire in 1833.

The country grew furiously to become a global superpower during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with a vast empire that charted the globe. Playing a significant role in both world wars, it helped to establish the United Nations after World War II. The United Nations resulted from the failure of the former League of Nations, which failed to prevent the occurrence of the Second World War. In the post-war period, the UK experienced significant social and cultural changes, including the rise of youth culture and the feminist movement.

In the present age, the focus of the nation is on reducing terrorism across the globe, as visible through its stance regarding the United States’ actions in regards to the “war on terror.” The pressing issue is to bring about advancements in technology to aid in the sustainable development of the world.

Culture

The nation accounts for a diverse culture that has been transformed by its history and geography. Literature is the ideal standpoint to denote the cultural advancements that a territory has made over time. Children's literature forms an elite section of works, that is adorned with the pieces of authors such as Daniel Dafoe, Rudyard Kipling, and Lewis Carroll. The other authors who works line up in the Hall of Fame include William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and J.K. Rowling.

British music has also had a significant impact on popular culture, with bands like The Beatles, Queen, and Oasis achieving global success. The major musical figures that incorporate the use of the violin are Nicola Benedetti and Nigel Kennedy. Folk music composers, who also rose to become pioneers of their craft, are Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Benjamin Britten. The genre of pop music found its roots sown in British soil, and the term originated in the 1950s to denote rock and roll’s fusion with new youth music. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones are major influences in the field of pop; the former have rose up the charts to become the most influential bands in the history of popular music.

The architectural styles in the kingdom date back to the Roman period. This is reflected through the presence of vibrant villas and marvels like Hadrian’s Wall. Following the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons made their mark and brought upon sophisticated styles of architecture that employed the use of wood. The later times are survived through the phases that were influenced by Norman, Medieval, and Tudor styles of architecture. The rise of industrialization impacted the architectural styles as there was a need to make profound changes to buildings to cater to the needs of factories and industries. This led to the invention of the Georgian form of architecture, which was built upon the pillars of Renaissance and perpendicular styles.The ideal form of this architecture is evident in the form of The Palace of Westminster, which is also recognized as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The cuisine of the country draws an influence from the experiences of its new settlers and migrants, and its long history of trade and colonialism. The traditional meals consist of Sunday roast, Yorkshire pudding, gravy, meat pies, fish and chips, crumpets, desserts, and various stews.

Thus, reflecting its diversity of the population, the cultural heritage of the nation’s rich history, and its identity in terms of various aspects such as arts, architecture, cuisine, music, and dance forms.

Language

English rises out to be the prominent language spoken by the majority of the population. Some of the other languages that are in use by the inhabitants include regional languages such as Scots and Ulster Scots and Celtic languages, Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Welsh. Welsh, along with English, also forms an official language of the state and it was recognised under the Welsh Language Act (Welsh), 2011.

Geography

The United Kingdom is located on the British Isles, which is made up of two large islands (Great Britain and Ireland) and several smaller ones. It has a varied landscape that includes rolling hills, rugged mountains, and sandy beaches. The country's highest peak is Ben Nevis in Scotland, which stands at 1,345 meters. The nation is divided into four components or geographical parts that comprise England, Scotland, Wales, and the Northern Island.

In close distinction to the land boundaries, the nation is also fenced by water bodies and has a significant wide coastline. The North Sea, the Irish Sea, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, form the guarding boundaries of the territory on the eastern and northwestern ends. The longest rivers that cut through the landmass in order to provide a spot for recreation as well as a natural resource for use, are the River Severn and the River Thames.

The region experiences a temperate climate, primarily characterized by cool temperatures and plenty of rain all year round. The higher elevations experience a continental subarctic climate and the mountainous regions experience a tundra climate.

The soil profile is largely dependent on the local variations of relief and climate, which vary substantially due to wide geographical extent of the landmass. The main distinction is in terms of the highland and the lowland regions that are either frigid in nature or slightly experience warmer climates.

The wildlife is extensively distributed and displays a wide variety of species that have established an interdependent cycle of existence. The upper woodlands are glazed by the presence of deciduous trees; however, due to the extensive shift in agricultural and grazing practices, the land under woodlands has shrunk significantly over the past few years.

The land is proven to have rested within itself valuable mineral resources that are significant towards the economy of the country. The Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales have been found to be rich in limestone, which forms an integral part of the construction industry.

FAQs

Q1: What is the significance of the London Eye?

The London Eye is a massive Ferris wheel situated on London's South Bank of the River Thames. It was constructed to commemorate the millennium's turn in 2000 and has subsequently become one of the city's most prominent tourist attractions.

Q2: What is the importance of the monarchy in the United Kingdom?

The monarchy plays a significant role in the cultural and political identity of the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth II is the country's head of state, and her role is largely ceremonial.

Q3: What is the history behind the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival?

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world's biggest arts event, drawing artists and tourists from all over the world. It originated in 1947 as a substitute to the more traditional kinds of performance during the Edinburgh International Festival.

Q4: What is the significance of Hadrian's Wall in the United Kingdom?

Hadrian's Wall is a historic wall that stretches across northern England, from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth. It was built by the Roman Empire in the 2nd century AD to defend its territory against invading tribes from Scotland.