Great Britain

The official name of GB is the United Kingdom of GB and Northern Ireland. It occupies the territory of the British Isles. The BI lie to the north-west of Europe and consists of two main islands: GB and Ireland. Their total area is over 244.000 square km. The British Isles are separated from the continent by the North Sea, the English Channel and the strait of Dover which is 18 miles wide. The western coast of GB is washed by the Atlantic ocean and the Irish Sea. GB is one of the world’s smaller countries. Its population is over 57 millions. Four out of every five people are urban. But in spite of all the territory of GB is small, the country has a wide variety of scenery. GB is made of tree countries: England, Scotland and Wales. Everyone in Britain speaks English, but in some parts of Scotland and Wales people speak different languages as well. GB with NI forms the UK of GB and NI. The capital of the UK is London, in England. England is the largest of three countries which make up GB. The north and the West of England are mountainous, but the rest of the territory is a vast plain. The Lake District in Northern England with its lakes, mountains and valleys is favorite holiday resort. The national symbol of England is a red rose. The capital of England is London. Its economic, political and cultural centre. It is one of the largest cities in the world and one of the world’s most important ports. It is situated upon both banks of the river Thames. But while the Thames is the deepest and the most important one, the Severn is the largest river. Wales is the smallest land of the UK, but it is noted for its picturesque mountains with the highest peaks of GB rivers, waterfalls and lakes. Cardiff is the capital and the largest city in Wales and its also an important industrial centre and port. The national symbol of Wales is a leek or a daffodil. Scotland is a land which is known for its beauty. The north of Scotland is mountainous and is called the Highlands. This is the region of mountains and rivers, small towns and villages. The highest of mountains is Ben Nevis. The best known between the lakes is Loch Ness where as some people think a large monster lives. The capital of Scotland is Edinburg and the great industrial centre is Glasgow. The national symbol of Scotland is a thistle. GB’s largest island neighbor is Ireland. This is mainly occupied by the independent Republic of Ireland. Many small islands are also linked with the UK. Most of the land is hilly, though the mountains are not very high. The capital of NI is Belfast. The national symbol of Ireland is a shamrock. The mountains, the Atlantic ocean and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream influence the climate of the British isles. The summers are usually cool and rainy. And there is much rain and fog in autumn and in winter. That’s why GB is a very damp country. The flag of the UK is known as the Union Jack. It is made up of 3 crosses: the cross of St. Jorge, St. Andrew and St. Patrick. Nowadays the UK is a highly developed industrial power. It is one of the most powerful countries in Europe.