Chapter 4: The UK Today
Overview
The UK is a diverse, multinational, and multiracial society that has transformed significantly over the past century. Immigration and demographic changes have created a society with a rich and varied culture.
Geography and Nations
The UK extends approximately 870 miles from John O'Groats in Scotland's north to Land's End in south-west England. The four constituent nations and their capitals are:
| Nation | Capital | |--------|---------| | England | London | | Wales | Cardiff | | Scotland | Edinburgh | | Northern Ireland | Belfast |
Currency
The pound sterling (£) is the official currency of the UK.
- 100 pence = one pound
- 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, though retailers are not obliged to accept them
Languages
- English is the dominant language throughout the UK
- Welsh is spoken and taught in Welsh schools and universities
- Scottish Gaelic is spoken in some Highland and Island communities
- Irish Gaelic has speakers in Northern Ireland
Population
The UK population has grown substantially over the centuries:
| Year | Population | |------|-----------| | 1600 | ~4 million | | 2010 | Over 62 million |
Recent growth has come from migration and increased life expectancy.
Population by Nation
- England: 84% of UK population
- Scotland: 8%
- Wales: 5%
- Northern Ireland: less than 3%
Ageing Population
Record numbers of people now exceed age 85, creating significant demands on pension and healthcare systems.
Diversity and Equality
The UK population encompasses people of ethnic origins from all around the world.
- Women represent approximately half the workforce
- Women increasingly occupy senior management roles
- Legal protections ensure equal rights regarding:
- Employment
- Property ownership
- Marriage and divorce
- Child custody
- Protection from discrimination based on gender