The United Kingdom Britain lies off the north- west coast of Europe across the English Channel. It consists of two large islands (Great Britain and Ireland) and about 5,000 smaller ones. Its neighbours are Ireland to west and France to south-east.

FLAG O British national flag is sometimes called Union Jack. O It symbolizes the Union of England, Scotland and Ireland. O It dates back from O Each country has its cross in the flag: O England has St. George´s Cross / white oblong and red cross /, O Scotland has St. Andrew´s Cross / blue with white diagonal / O Ireland has St. Patrick´s Cross / white with red diagonal /.

The System of Government O Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy with the Queen as the head of state. O The supreme law- making body in the country is Parliament. O It consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Geography O England is mostly rolling land, rising to the Uplands of southern Scotland. O The Highlands of Scotland are the highest mountains in Britain with the highest mountain Ben Nevis( 1,342m ). O The longest rivers are the Severn and the Thames.

Climate O British Isles have milder climate due to the Gulf Stream which comes from the Gulf of Mexico to Western Europe.

Population O British society is of mixed multiracial and multicultural nature. O In Britain we can find the following ethnic groups – English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Ulster and others. O The majority of people speak English.

National Economy O The main industries are steel, metals, vehicles, shipbuilding, shipping, banking, textiles, electronics, aircraft, machinery and distilling. O The main agricultural products are grains, sugar, beet, fruit and vegetables. O Britain´s natural riches are mainly coal, tin, oil, gas.