1. The UK: Country and People 14 January 2016 by Sigrid Brevik Wangsness

2. I. Terminology  The UK = Britain  The UK vs. Great Britain  The British Isles a) Two large islands b) Many small islands The geographical and political units do not coincide.  The British people: The British, Britons

4. II. The Country and the People: Past and Present  The make-up of the British population a) Origin (population movements) b) Four major nationalities  “A glorious past”: the empire  Colonies  Multicultural Britain today

5. Britain’s present influence on the world  The English language  Technology/ science  Authors  Music  Sports  Entertainment  Business  Politics

6. III. England as the Dominant Nation in the UK  Historically  Numerically  E: m S: m W: m NI: m (approx.)  The UK: 64.6m (approx.)

7. IV. Britain in the World Today  Britain and the Commonwealth Still important?  Britain and the USA Still “a special relationship”?  Britain and Europe Most important, but Euro-scepticism and possible exit from the EU

9. “A medium-sized power with global influence"?  Britain’s global role today: self-perception vs. reality?  Both diplomatic and interventionist?  Keep its military strength?

10. V. Divisions in British Society “How united is the United Kingdom?”  Regional divisions (January 14)  Racial and ethnic divisions (February 23)  Class divisions (February 23)  Divisions in education (January 21)

11. Regional Divisions  Devolution (definition):  Why devolution? 1. 2. 3. 4

12. Devolution  Scotland Referendum on independence in September 2014: “No”! Powers of the UK Parliament Powers of the Scottish Parliament

13. Devolution  Wales Powers of the Welsh Assembly  England? The West Lothian question

14. Devolution  Northern Ireland “The Troubles”  Solution through devolution

15. Devolution  The Northern Ireland Assembly + The North/South Ministerial Council The British Irish Intergovernmental Conference The British Irish Council

16. VI. National Characteristics and Values  What do you consider ”typical” for the British people?  Problems of stereotyping/ generalizations  Outside vs. inside perspectives – nuances  National characteristics vs. one national character  Is there one British national identity?