Chapter 3: A Long and Illustrious History -- What is the UK?
The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the UK) is made up of four countries:
- England -- capital: London
- Wales -- capital: Cardiff
- Scotland -- capital: Edinburgh
- Northern Ireland -- capital: Belfast
Great Britain refers only to England, Scotland, and Wales -- not to Northern Ireland. The rest of Ireland is an independent country (the Republic of Ireland).
The UK extends approximately 870 miles from John O'Groats on the north coast of Scotland to Land's End in south-west England.
Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories
The Crown Dependencies -- the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man -- are closely linked to the UK but are not part of it. They have their own governments and are self-governing.
There are also several British Overseas Territories around the world, such as St Helena, the Falkland Islands, and Gibraltar. They are linked to the UK but are not part of it.
Government
The UK is governed by the Parliament sitting in Westminster. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland also have parliaments or assemblies of their own, with devolved powers in defined areas.
Currency
The official currency of the UK is the pound sterling (symbol: £).
- 100 pence (p) = one pound (£1)
- Coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2
- Notes: £5, £10, £20, and £50
Scotland and Northern Ireland issue their own banknotes, which are legally valid throughout the UK, although shops and businesses are not obliged to accept them.
Languages
- English is the main language spoken across the UK
- Welsh is spoken in Wales and is taught in Welsh schools and universities
- Scottish Gaelic is spoken in some parts of the Scottish Highlands and Islands
- Irish Gaelic is spoken by some people in Northern Ireland
Population
The UK population has grown significantly over the centuries:
- 1600: approximately 4 million
- 2010: over 62 million
Recent population growth has been driven by migration and increased life expectancy.
Population Distribution
| Nation | Share of UK Population | |--------|----------------------| | England | 84% | | Scotland | 8% | | Wales | 5% | | Northern Ireland | Less than 3% |
An ageing population is notable -- record numbers of people now live beyond age 85, which has implications for pensions and healthcare.
Diversity and Equality
The UK is a multinational and multiracial society with a rich and varied culture. The population includes people of many different ethnic origins from around the world.
- Women make up approximately half of the workforce
- Women increasingly hold senior management and professional roles
- Legal protections ensure equal rights in employment, property ownership, marriage, and child custody regardless of gender