United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United Kingdom – Western Europe country (area 244000 square. km, population 59,6 mln.).
Great Britain, the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century, played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth’s surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK’s strength seriously depleted in two World Wars. The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, a founding member of NATO, and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy; it currently is weighing the degree of its integration with continental Europe. A member of the EU, it chose to remain outside of the European Monetary Union for the time being.
UK is divided into four regions :
England (capital – London),
Scotland (capital – Edinburgh),
Wales (capital – Cardiff),
Northern Ireland (capital – Belfast).
London
England’s capital city, London, brims with culture and is filled with artistic and architectural triumphs. It is a bustling, growing and varied metropolis with magical museums, great galleries, gourmet restaurants, clubs, nightlife and a diverse range of outstanding theater and music–all waiting for you, all year round.
London description
The most popular places in London :
Big Ben
The Tower Bridge
Hyde Park
London eye
Trafalgar square
Buckingham palace
St Paul cathedral
The tower of london
West end
Downing street
London zoo
Kensigton gardens
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Cathedral
Other great places
London museums/galleries
National gallery
National portait gallery
Madame Tussaud museum
Brittish museum
Brittish library
Links to other galleries/museums
Where to go? In Britain you will be spoilt for choice, as every corner offers something exciting and different for the visitor.
Britain is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, each with its own distinctive landscapes, traditions, history, architecture and people. From the Channel Islands to London to the tip of Scotland, you’ll have a wonderful time exploring Britain.
In a country just 85 miles long and 70 miles wide, you’ll find a surprisingly wide variety of scenery-majestic mountains, orchards and farmland, lakeland, forests, ancient walled cities and spectacular coastline, including the legendary Giant’s Causeway. Belfast, the capital city, offers museums and history, grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings, gardens, shopping and, of course, great nightlife. Added to the rich cultural inheritance, you’ll find castles and cathedrals, linen and lace, crystal and china, and some of the best golf courses in the world.
More on Northern Ireland
There is so much to explore in this land of historic cities, dramatic moorlands and gentle rolling pastures, incomparable theater, cathedral cities, country lanes and the quintessential English garden. Each area of England offers something new and unique: Cornwall’s quaint fishing villages in the South of England-Shakespeare country in the Heart of England-Cathedrals, castles and gardens in the East of England-Spectacular mountains and lakes in the Lake District-the historic cities of Chester and York in England’s North Country.
Scotland is a land steeped in history, whose folklore, legend and romance blend together to provide a spectacular and exciting destination. Unspoiled, wild and dramatic scenery with castles, battlefields and ancient settlements combine with modern, cultured, vibrant cities. For the naturalist, the angler, the hiker or the golfer, the countryside is a delight. Looking for museums, art and culture? Head for the cities: Glasgow or the capital city, Edinburgh, famous for its castle and international festivals. From the rolling farmland and rugged sea coasts in the southern Borders, to the mountains and lochs of the Highlands and the magical outer islands, wherever you travel you are assured of a warm and friendly welcome.
Wales is the land of legend, song, fire-breathing dragons, powerful wizards, sheep, more sheep, and undisputed natural beauty. You’ll find standing stones, Celtic crosses, castles, dramatic cliffs and mountains, wide sandy bays and lush green valleys in the Welsh countryside. The heritage and culture of Wales reach back over thousands of years-when poetry and music, art and craft, dance and story-telling all played an essential role. Cardiff, the capital city, is cosmopolitan and exciting–a far cry from the sleepy rural villages. Wales offers something for everyone.
The Lake District -England,s only mountainous region a miniature Switzerland of incomparable beauty -the Lake District its not a large area-Switzerland itself is 25 times larger-and from the 3118-foot (950 m) peak of Helvellyn, it is posable that on a clear day to see all-and beyond the hills of Scotland and the Irish sea. but within the Lake District’s 700 square miles (1800sq.km.) there are some 100 peaks over 2000 feet (600 m), 15 lakes.