Главная страница | Контакты | Случайная страница Автомобили Астрономия Биология География Дом и сад Другие языки Другое Информатика История Культура Литература Логика Математика Медицина Металлургия Механика Образование Охрана труда Педагогика Политика Право Психология Религия Риторика Социология Спорт Строительство Технология Туризм Физика Философия Финансы Химия Черчение Экология Экономика Электроника

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the UK) is one of the most prominent countries of the world. It occupies an outstanding place within the history of world civilization.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated on two large islands called the British Isles. Its territory is about 244.1 thousand square km. The UK consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Great Britain is a highly-developed industrial country. The older fields of industry are shipbuilding, coal-mining, textile, metallurgical industries, and the newer ones are: electronics, electrical engineering, chemical, aircraft, spacecraft, automobile industries. The largest cities are: London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff. Approximately 40% of the whole population live there. Oxford and Cambridge are called university towns.

Great Britain is a parliamentary monarchy. The Queen is formally at the head of the state. But in fact the country is ruled by the parliament consisting of two Houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The Prime Minister is the head of the Government.

London, one of the greatest cities in the world, is the capital of Great Britain and the cradle of British traditions and culture. It is also one of the most prominent financial and commercial centers of the world, a big port, a university city and a seat of the British government. The most important parts of London are: the City, the financial and business of the UK; the West End, which is famous for fashionable shopping and entertainment centers; the Eats End, the industrial district; Westminster, the place for government offices; Soho, known for international restaurants and a lot of entertainments.

The world-famous sights of London are Tower Bridge, Big Ben and the House of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey.

London has a number of nice parks ad gardens, such as Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, St. James’ Park, Regent’s Park.

There are very many theatres, concert halls, museums and cinemas in the capital. The best known are Covent Garden and the English National Opera, the Tate Gallery, the National Gallery, the British Museum, and the National History Museum.

vWords and Expressions to Remember:

Text 6