The European Union: Concept began with Winston Churchill after WWII 1992 – Officially began 2000 – Euro € became official currency of the EU Today there are 27 countries in the EU

The United Kingdom Nations Included: England, Wales, Scotland & No. Ireland

Capital: London (Urban area population of 9.8 million ) Population of UK: 60.9m Great Britain (Britain) is made up of England, Scotland and Wales, whereas the UK is Britain as well as Northern Ireland.

Money: British Pound 1 = $1.66 Member of the E.U. but do NOT use the Euro

Government: Constitutional Monarchy- Queen Elizabeth II is Figure-Head leader

Parliament: Has 2 houses: House of Lords House of Commons

LEADER: David Cameron – Prime Minister Elected 2010

Religion: Church of England (Anglican) Catholic Other Christian Denominations Muslim & Jewish

Climate: Mostly Marine West Coast Languages: -English w/ many dialects -Welch -Scottish -Gaelic -Many other foreign languages

Natural Resources: Coal, oil, natural gas Tin, limestone Iron ore, salt Potatoes, fish

Flag of the United Kingdom: Cross of St. Charles (English) Cross of St. Andrews (Scottish) Cross of St. Patrick (Irish)

Stonehenge: located south of London on a large plain A large circle of huge stones Built in 3 stages b/t BC Temple for Druids? Sun dial? Calendar stone? Don’t know the actual reason!

Stratford upon Avon: Birthplace of William Shakespeare Royal Shakespearian Theatre built here in 1952

Wm. Shakespeare: Considered the greatest dramatist in the world Wrote 37 plays 154 sonnets Other poems

Thatched Roofs: Cottages in Stratford are built with thatched roofs from local grass Anne Hathaway’s Home - Shakespeare’s wife

Crusades: A series of military campaigns to regain Jerusalem from the Islamic people Took place b/t Basically a failure that caused long lasting hatred and shattered lives

Oxford University: Oldest institution of higher learning in the English-speaking world 1 st classes began in 1117 Located north of London

Buckingham Palace Official residence of the British kings and queens 600 rooms filled with beautiful art Home of QEII

Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace

Big Ben: Named after Sir Benjamin Hall in 1859 Ben is the bell not the tower Bell is 13.5 tons Can be heard all over London Located by Parliament on Thames River

Trafalgar Square Located in central London Celebrates the British naval commander, Sir. Horatio Nelson – He defeated Napolean.

Cleopatra’s Needle Obelisk taken to London from Egypt by the Romans Located along the Thames River bank Once belonged to Cleopatra

St. Paul’s Cathedral: Once a Catholic Church but changed by Henry VIII Now Church of England Plagued by numerous fires Sculptures, Paintings, etc Princess Diana was married here to Prince Charles

Tower Bridge: Located over Thames River in London

Windsor Castle: Royal Palace Located 22 mi south of London Overlooks the Thames River “Keep” or round part is most likely where the knights of the round table met during King Arthur’s time (Camelot)

Tower of London: Located on the north bank of the Thames River Built 1078 Once royal Residence Later a prison Today it is where the crown jewels are kept

Westminster Cathedral Most famous of all England’s churches Built in 1245 Style is French Gothic Where Princess Diana’s funeral was held

Sports Soccer cricket Rugby

Chunnel 32 mile long tunnel b/t England and France 3 tubes (tunnels) 2 for trains going each direction and 1 for service Takes about 35 minutes to go under the ocean floor!