About The UK

At a glance:

Capital: London

Population: 58 Millions ( Census 2001)

Official Language: English, Welsh,Scottish Gaelic

Currency: 1 British pound (GBP) = 100 pence

Geography

The United Kingdom comprises Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) and Northern Ireland.

It is about 245,000 square kilometres (94,600 sq mi) comprising of the island of Great Britain, the north eastern one-sixth of the island of Ireland (Northern Ireland) and smaller islands. The size is as same as New Zealand or half the size of France, is less than 1000 Km from south to north and under 500 km at its widest point.

Climate

The seas surrounding the British Isles are shallow and relatively warm because of the influence of the warm North Atlantic Current. This creates a temperate maritime Climate with few extremes of temperature but few cloudless, sunny days. Although in relative terms the climate is mild and the rainfall not spectacular (912 mm) grey skies can make for an utterly depressing atmosphere.

The average July temperature in London is around 20 degree Celsius and the average Janurary temperature is 4 degree Celsius.

Population & People

The UK has a population of about 58 Millions. Since WWII there has been significant immigration from the ex-colonies, expecially the west indies, Bangladesh, Pakistan and india. Outside the big cities of the Midlands and Northern England. However, the population is overwhelmingly white.

Society & Conduct

The most common British Stereotype is of a reserved, anally retentive politeness and conservatism. Yet the phrase “Cold” and “inhibited” don’t generally leap to mind when you are mixing with the working class, the northern English, the welsh or the Scots. Visit a nightclub is one of the big cities, a football match or a good local pub and you might more readily describe the Brits as uninhibited, passionate, humorous, and sentimental.

Language

English may be one of the most widely spoken lanuguages but the language as it is spoken in someparts speak in different accents. UK is the popular destination for students to learn English.

Money

The currency is the pound sterling (£), made up of 100 pence. One and 2p coins are copper; 5p,10p,20p coins are silver, the bulky £1 coin is gold coloured and the £2 coin is couloured gold and silver. Notes come in £5,£10,£20,and £50 denominations and vary in colour and size.

Bank and ATMs ( Called Cashpoints in UK) are everywhere. Travellers cheques are easy to cash at banks, as are notes in most currencies. ATMS usually accept major credit cards and foreign bank cards.

Telephone

Uk country code is 44. When dialling in from abroad drop the initial Zero from area codes.