United Kingdom and London
Great Britain
The largest islands are Great Britain (consisting of 3 parts: England, Wales, Scotland) and Ireland. The English Channel lies between GB and France. GB can be divided into two mains regions: lowland Britain and highland Britain. L.B lies to south-east, H.B lies to the north-west of the line running from Newcastle to Exeter. The climate of GB is temperate and humid. Its characteristic features are mild winter, not very hot summer and rain all the year round. The majority of people speaks english. There are minority languages which are of Celtic origin – Welsh, Scottish and Irish Gaelic. The supreme law-making body in the country is Parliament. It consists of: the Houses of Commons and the Houses of Lords. British parliamentary system is one of the oldest in the world. The commons has 650 elected and paid Members of Parliament. The Lord is made up of hereditary and life peers. The major part of Parliament’s work is revising the Government’s work. From Monday to Thursday all ministers must answer MP’s questions for one hour(=questioning time). General selections to choose MP every 5 years. The Government is formed by the party which has the majority in Parliament and the Queen appoints its leader as the Prime Minister. The PM appoints a team of main ministers as the Cabinet (about 20 peoples). The Union Jack is traditional flag of the U.K., combining the crosses of the three patron St.George(E),St.Andrew(S) and St.Patrick(Ir).
Scotland
The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh. Scotland is divided into three mains regions: the Highland, the Midland Valley and the Southern Uplands. It has own legal system, own education system, own bank system and own banknotes. Scotland is historical and cultural country. It is the land of many special traditions: playing pipes, wearing kilts made of tartan, Scotch whisky. Pipes are played when Scottish soldier go into the battle. Nowadays they are played on the special occasions. Whisky is made from barley and good Scottish water. It must be at least three years old before you drink it. Kilt is short skirt, made from several metres of tartan. Scotsmen wear it on special occasions. Scotland is very famous for its well known Lake Lochness and its Lochness monster.
Wales
The capital is Cardiff located on the Bristol Channel. There are many huge castles in North Wales. The English built them in 13th century when they invaded Wales. Wales is sometimes called the country of castles. In North Wales you can see some of the beautiful scenery in Britain. Take a train to the top of Snowdon, Wales’s highest mountain. Although Wales isn’t independent nation. It has its own culture and language. Welsh is Celtic language. About 20% people speak Welsh. Many people in Wales are bilingual.
Ireland
London
London is the capital of the Unite Kingdom. It is the 9th largest city in the world. Its population is about 10 millions. London is situated on the river Thames in south-east England. London is famous for its red double-deckers. For fast transport we can go by the Underground. It is the oldest underground in the world. There are also 3 airports in London. The most important are Heathrow and Gatwick.
The Houses of Parliament were built in gothic style but are only about one hundred years old. There are also a famous clock-tower with Big Ben and its characteristic bell-ringing.
Downing Street 10 is the official home of British Prime Ministers since 1731.
Westminster Abbey was founded in the 11th century. Britain’s Kings and Queens are crowned here. England’s greatest poets, artists, statesmen and other famous people are buried here in the Poet’s Corner. The Abbey is an excellent example of gothic architecture.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It stands in the City. This cathedral is the work of the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren and it was built in the 17th century. Cathedral is known for its Whispering Gallery. In 1981 Prince Charles and Lady Diana were married here.
The Tower was built in the 11th century. It served as royal palace first, then prison and fortress. It is a museum now. The Crown Jewels guarded by the Beefeaters in their traditional Tudor uniforms are kept here.
Tower Bridge is one of the most famous symbols of London. It was built only in the last century. It can open in the middle and let large ships go through.
Trafalgar Square was named after Admiral Nelson’s victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Nelson’s statue is situated on a high column and National Gallery is here.
Buckingham Palace is the Queen’s residence in London since the Queen Victoria’s reign. It was built in 1703. It is two places, not one. It is a family house, where children play and grow up. It is also the place where presidents, kings and politicians go to meet the Queen. Buckingham Palace is like a small town, with a police station, two post offices, a hospital, a bar, two sports clubs, a disco, a cinema and a swimming pool. There are 600 rooms and three miles of red carpet. About 700 people work in the Palace.