The British Isles The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales

Objectives On a blank map of Europe, identify the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. On a blank map of Europe, identify the North Sea and the English Channel. Explain the difference between the United Kingdom and Great Britain. Tell what is happening to Gaelic Languages. Describe the physical geography of the different countries of the British Isles. Compare the population density in different parts of the British Isles. Identify what the Euro is. Explain the United Kingdom’s choice whether or not to use it.

Great Britain is an island, not a nation. Terms and Places Gaelic is the disappearing language of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The Pound is the currency of Great Britain. A moor is a wasteland of bushes and weeds. The United Kingdom a is a nation, not an island. London is the largest city in Europe.

The British Isles are in the northwest of Europe. On their west is the Atlantic Ocean. On their east is the North Sea. They are separated from the continent of Europe by the English Channel.

The British Isles Two great islands exist in this region: Great Britain Ireland Orkney Islands Shetland Islands The Hebrides Isle of Man …as well as many smaller ones. Isle of Wight The Channel Islands

The British Isles Two nations also exist in this region: Republic of Ireland Although some people use the word “Ireland” to refer to either the island or the nation, the nation should properly be called “The Republic of Ireland.” The United Kingdom

The British Isles The United Kingdom Republic of Ireland The United Kingdom was once three different kingdoms, and people still use the names of the old countries: Scotland England Wales Here’s where it gets a little complicated.

Scotland

The Highlands and Islands are a rocky and mountainous. The greatest of these is Loch Ness. Scotland is divided into two parts. The Highlands and Islands speak Gaelic. This language is very different from English. The mountains are cut through with deep, narrow lakes called lochs The Highlands and Islands are not good for farming. They are covered with moors, a weedy wasteland.

Edinburgh Scotland is divided into two parts. Although the Lowlands are smaller in area, most of the population lives here. They speak a dialect of English called Scots English. Glasgow

A good part of Scotland’s economy depends on the sea. There is fishing and oil in the North Sea.

In ancient days, Scots were organized into clans. Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish. It is made from innards and oatmeal cooked in a sheep’s stomach. Scots also eat fish, such as salmon, and their Angus beef. Each clan had its own tartan, or pattern of plaid. Scotland is the home of the bagpipe and of golf.

Not only do the Highland Scots speak Gaelic, but varieties of Gaelic are also spoken in Ireland and Wales. Ireland Scotland Wales Mostly, the older people speak it. The language is dying out.

The Celtic People in the British Isles are the source of most of the world’s redheads.

Republic of Ireland Ireland is a mostly green land with low hills.

What is the source of the Irish economy? The map above shows the number of adults employed in agriculture. The graph above is called an exploded pie graph.

The population of Ireland is highest in the east, nearest England. England, having such a large population, is their greatest trading partner. The few people that still speak Gaelic are in the west. Hypothesize why these three statements are connected. Population of Britain

England England is the center of the United Kingdom’s economy, one of the most powerful in western Europe. Ireland Scotland England London London is the largest city in Europe. Wales Parliament Big Ben London Bridge A London Pub

Some Europeans thought they should all use the same currency. They invented “The Euro.” For centuries, each country in Europe had its own currency. England called its currency “The Pound.” The United Kingdom didn’t trust the plan. They kept their own currency, the Pound. Many western European countries rushed into the plan, got rid of their own currency, and began using the Euro.

The population of England is concentrated around London and in the Midlands, with cities like Manchester and Leeds. Even the less populated areas, such as Cornwall and the north, are more densely populated than Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Greater London Midlands This is a land-use map. Compare it to the population map. Cornwall North Country

Bangers and Mash pork pie Eel pie Fish and chips

Physical Geography Which color is the line encircling the British Isles?

What separates the British Isles from France, to the south? The Atlantic Ocean English Channel The North Sea The Mediterranean What separates the British Isles from Scandinavia, to the east? The Atlantic Ocean English Channel The North Sea The Mediterranean France Scandinavia English Channel The North Sea Physical Geography

mountains and moors Which describes the physical geography of the Scottish highlands? Low green hills suitable for agriculture Cool, northern rainforests Thick, pine forests in deep valleys Which describes the physical geography of the Republic of Ireland? mountains and moors Low green hills suitable for agriculture Cool, northern rainforests Thick, pine forests in deep valleys

Which terms refer to nations and which terms refer to an island? Republic of Ireland Ireland Great Britain The United Kingdom An IslandA Nation

Where is the bulk of the population in the Republic of Ireland? In the west, where Gaelic speakers live In the east, near their trading partner England In the north, near Scotland’s Hebrides Isles In the south, near the Arctic Ocean Which country has the highest population by far? Wales England Republic of Ireland Scotland Wales England Republic of Ireland Scotland What is the name of the largest city in Europe? London Population Density

What is Gaelic? Gaelic is a language. What is the problem with Gaelic? The Gaelic language is disappearing; fewer and fewer people speak it with each generation. What color is the map which most correctly shows where speakers of Gaelic Languages live? Gaelic

What is the United Kingdom’s relationship with the EU? The UK is not a member. The UK is a member but does not use the Euro. The UK is a member and uses the Euro. What is the name of the currency of the United Kingdom? The Euro The Pound The British Dollar The Franc What is the source of Scotland’s economy? Manufacture of high tech equipment Farming from the fertile moors Fishing and oil from the North Sea Making clothing in sweatshops What is the basis for the economy of the Republic of Ireland? Manufacture Agriculture Fishing Oil Economy

Please read “The United Kingdom.” World Studies: Europe and Russia. Pearson- Prentice-Hall, pgs About 4½ - 5 pages

What’s the difference between a parliament and a congress? People elect a person I think I'll change parties…. Once elected, he or she can do what they want. With a congress People elect a party We’ve lost confidence in you. That party can put in whatever person they want. With a parliament If things go badly, they can change their minds.