Everyone is used to thinking that the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is one country. But this is not a completely correct statement. The kingdom has four historical and geographical areas. The United Kingdom includes territories such as England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Thus, the kingdom occupies most of the British Isles. It is also important that since 1922, Ireland has been an absolutely autonomous country within the United Kingdom.
One cannot but recall the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. True, these territories are administratively independent parts of the kingdom.
Description
Each territory that is part of the UK has its own culture, traditions, and attractions that have accumulated over the centuries. The official language is English, but for each administrative-political part there are peculiar exceptions. So, today the population of Welsh villages communicates in ancient Welsh.
The legacies of the territories that make up the kingdom of Great Britain are practically nothing alike. They differ not only in history, composition of the population and structure of government, but also in the educational system, religion and even climate.
A few key points characterizing the UK as a whole:
- Monetary unit - pound sterling.
- Religions - Anglicanism, Catholicism and Presbyterianism.
- Great Britain is famous for talented actors, musicians, singers, writers, athletes, scientists.
- The kingdom is considered one of the most popular places for shopping. The country is very rich in brand names such as Burberry, which are known all over the world, shops, boutiques and street markets where you can find vintage clothes and pick up accessories for them.
England
The largest administrative and political part that is part of the UK is England. In turn, it has nine separate regions, each of which has its own unique traditions and culture, bewitching bustling metropolitan areas, such as London, and beautiful calm villages, such as Cornwall. The official language is English. Here are thirty-nine counties, six metropolitan counties and the administrative unit, which is called Greater London.
Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world come to England, because it is suitable for a noisy and fun holiday, as well as for romantic walks. Here are more than 20 attractions that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Scotland
There are few places on our planet that can compete with Scotland. Large cities such as Glasgow, deep lakes and picturesque mountains are located here. This country is divided into nine districts, which own about eight hundred islands, three hundred of them are unsuitable for human life.
During the celebration of Burns Night, which falls on January 25, and St. Andrew's Day (November 30), live music is heard in all the streets.
Scotland is part of the UK to this day. In 2014, they held a referendum on separation from the state. But 55.3% of the population opposed the declaration of independence.
The official languages are English, English-Scottish, and Scottish Gaelic.
Northern Ireland
The smallest autonomous territory that is part of the UK is Ireland. It has twenty-six districts. Despite its small size, it has a very rich nature. There are high mountains, flat valleys, forests and even the inland sea. In addition, the country is famous for its history, culture, mythology and vibrant musical life. At venues, in clubs and concert halls at any time of the year you can enjoy the music of both Irish performers and visitors from around the world.
Northern Ireland as part of the UK has three official languages: Irish, Ulster-Scottish, and, of course, English.
Wales
There is no place on Earth that would be at least a little like the island nation of Great Britain. The composition of the countries includes a rather unusual administrative and political part - Wales. The peculiarity lies in the fact that its inhabitants still communicate among themselves in one of the oldest languages in the world - Welsh. The second official language is English. In terms of size, Wales ranks third among the countries of Great Britain.
Five areas with unique nature are registered here, as well as three national parks. Locals call Wales "the country of castles" because of the impressive number of ancient fortresses (about 600 castles).