The United Kingdom is both a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy, with supreme legislative power resting with parliament (which comprises 574 life peers and 92 hereditary peers in its House of Lords), as well as its two branches: Commons (with 245 life peers) and Lords.
Beginning as an Anglo-Saxon kingdom consisting of England and Wales, Great Britain became officially united when Scotland joined in 1707. Over time this led to the formation of today’s United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
1. It’s an island
Great Britain may appear to be separated from continental Europe by both the English Channel and North Sea, yet it remains an island. This is because water levels rose during the last ice age and left Great Britain surrounded by water.
The United Kingdom (UK) is part of the European Union and a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II serving as its head of state. Its currency is the pound sterling and London is its capital city; English is its official language though there are regional variations used across certain areas. Furthermore, British culture can be seen through music videos, film releases and television productions, such as James Bond movies being made here.
Prehistoric sites like Neolithic Stonehenge and medieval castles like Warwick, Dover and Caernarfon attest to its prehistoric legacy, while beautiful scenery such as Kent and Dorset chalk cliffs; rolling hills of southeast England; granite cliffs in Cornwall; fields lakes mountains stretches across Scotland all attest to its prehistoric legacy.
England encompasses over two-thirds of the United Kingdom and is home to 83% of its inhabitants, who collectively make up 83% of its total population. A popular saying among England residents is that no one lives more than 75 miles from the coast; something which travelers can easily witness by traveling across this part of Europe.
Not everyone understands why the term ‘Great Britain’ was added to the name; some theories speculate it may have had to do with England being larger than France’s Brittany (where part of inland England now resides). Others propose it may have been because its then king wanted it made clear he ruled not just over an old Roman province called Britain but all of Britain itself.
2. It’s a sovereign state
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a sovereign state governed by its parliament, led by Queen Elizabeth II. Supreme legislative power resides with two houses: House of Lords with 574 life peers and 92 hereditary peers, and House of Commons, which boasts 651 popularly elected members; its executive branch comprises the Cabinet led by Prime Minister.
England as we know it today began taking shape around 900 CE when Athelstan united the kingdoms of Northumbria, Mercia, and Wessex into one state under his rule – creating what would eventually be known as England as one country. Through further conquests such as Welsh uprising in 1403 or Scotland annexed in 1707 England was eventually expanded into what we know today as one nation.
But it’s essential to distinguish between de jure sovereignty and actual autonomy enjoyed by nations. De jure sovereignty refers to formal, legal independence; de facto sovereignty refers to real-world limitations placed on domestic political authorities’ abilities to exercise power in their territories.
Although England maintains formal sovereignty, its de facto control is limited because it forms part of the United Kingdom. This body, comprising Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (and from 1801-1922 all of Ireland), has jurisdiction over criminal and civil law enforcement, policing courts defense national security as well as its dependence (Channel Islands & Isle of Man are Crown Dependencies) – making the issue central in British debates about Brexit (leaving European Union). Pro-Brexit supporters want control back into British hands by returning their powers back into UK hands – making Brexit debates heated!
3. It’s a parliamentary democracy
British society stands alone among modern countries in that it combines elements of both monarchy and parliamentary democracy, meaning its official head of state is a monarch who accepts advice from parliament; government roles are filled by directly elected parliament members; however, unlike many European states there is no formal constitution which serves as the supreme law of the land.
Parliament is divided into two “houses”, the House of Lords and Commons, with members in each known as MPs (Members of Parliament). MPs serve in the lower house while members in the higher house include archbishops and bishops; hereditary peers; Lords Temporal who hold titles for life; and judges (Lords of Appeal).
At general elections, the party with the highest vote total forms a government under Prime Minister. He or she then selects a cabinet of ministers to lead each of the government departments (healthcare, education and defense). Ministers work with departmental officials in creating legislation which implements party policy and are accountable to Parliament (especially House of Commons).
Though not required to pass legislation, the House of Lords plays an essential role in keeping government powers within reasonable bounds. It questions ministers and forms committees to review issues. Moreover, it can delay bills by up to one year without completely blocking them; due to these powers it would be unwise for many people to trust only Cabinet and Commons with overseeing national affairs.
4. It’s a cosmopolitan country
The United Kingdom is well known for being open and accepting of people from various cultural backgrounds, and has always welcomed people of different religions, languages and ethnicities into its fold. This diversity can be seen through food, music and dance which all show signs of outside influences.
Britain is famous for its rich culture and history, boasting such iconic landmarks as Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle. Additionally, this nation was known as being the birthplace of golf as well as having witnessed one of history’s shortest wars.
English may be our national language, but its variety of regional accents allows it to sound quite distinct. Some areas even boast accents so distinct from each other that they could easily be mistaken for different countries!
UK is covered with green spaces, and its landscape has been formed over the centuries by various geological events and shifting latitudes and sea levels, all contributing to creating diverse habitats across its landmass.
UK is home to many species found only here, such as wildflowers, birds and mammals. After Scandinavia, Britain boasts the second highest population of wild mammals. Yet large-mammal numbers in recent decades have decreased due to industrialization’s effects on their habitat.
Though some might argue that Britain has lost its cultural identity, it remains a nation with an impressive cultural scene renowned worldwide. Music, literature and theater remain its cornerstones; British people take great pride in celebrating holidays such as Royal weddings with parades celebrating their heritage; they show it off proudly!
5. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site
UNESCO has awarded Britain with the designation of World Heritage Site to recognize their exceptional cultural and natural heritage. Their historic sites showcase diverse eras and styles, which stand as testaments to Britain’s timeless spirit.
At around 11,600 years ago, Britain was covered with an immense sheet of ice. When climate warmed and the ice began melting away, people came in from other parts of Europe bringing with them new cultural practices like farming and metalworking, along with their language skills. Archaeological record indicates this.
This caused great change. Roman Emperor Julius Caesar attempted to conquer the area in 55 BC but failed due to guerrilla resistance and bad weather; for over 1,000 years thereafter the islands were inhabited by Saxons, Vikings, and eventually Normans.
Today’s United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and a variety of smaller islands. While often known as just “The UK”, Great Britain still refers specifically to England Scotland and Wales.
The UK has long been one of the leading centers of political and literary development worldwide. While its empire may have had its faults, its overall legacy includes positive social and economic progress.
