The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is an island Western European state whose political system is a constitutional monarchy. The UK is made up of several countries with distinct cultural and linguistic differences - England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The country completely occupies the island of Great Britain, the northern part of the island of Ireland and most of the rest of the British Isles and is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the North and Irish seas. Ireland, France, Belgium and the Netherlands are considered the UK's closest neighbors. The Isle of Man and the various Channel Islands are "crown lands" and are bound by various mutual obligations to the United Kingdom without being part of it (or part of the EU).

Today, Great Britain is a mixture of indigenous cultures and numerous immigrants - Pakistanis, Africans, Indians. The capital and largest city is London, which is a global financial, economic and cultural center with a population of more than 8 million people.

The total population was 66,040,229 according to the 2017 census Human. More than 85 percent consider themselves white British, other ethnic groups include Indians, Pakistanis, Irish, blacks from the Caribbean and Africa, as well as whites from other countries, including Russia (more than 100,000 Russians live in London alone).

Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy, the head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, and the prime minister is determined through parliamentary elections. The prime minister is not directly elected by direct vote, but is the leader of the largest parliamentary party or coalition that forms the government. Members of Parliament are elected from constituencies throughout the United Kingdom, and members of the House of Lords (the upper house of the British Parliament) either inherit or are appointed to their seats in Parliament.

Current time in London:
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The flag of the United Kingdom is better known as the Union Jack, but its official name is the Union Flag. The flag is formed from the overlapping flag of St. George (England), the flag of St. Andrew (Scotland), also known as St. Andrew's Cross, and the Cross of St. Patrick (Ireland). The flags of each individual state are also widespread, for example, the Red Dragon flag in Wales.

How to get to the UK

The most convenient (and cheaper) way to get there is through large cities, where there are many flights. These cities are listed below, the links will take you to articles that describe in detail how to travel to the corresponding city.

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Climate and weather in Great Britain

The climate of Great Britain, often called the “Foggy Albion,” is humid and temperate, determined by the North Atlantic Current and proximity to the sea. The climate of the British Isles is characterized by warm, humid summers and mild winters, although many people are not pleased with the large amount of rainfall. The weather in the United Kingdom can be changeable and is quite often windy and wet. British rainfall is nothing more than a legend; in practice, rain of two or three hours is very rare, and at times some parts of the country may experience no rain for weeks, especially in the east. A much more common occurrence is a sky overcast with clouds. As a rule, when leaving the room, you should be prepared for possible weather changes; a jumper and a raincoat are usually enough, unless, of course, it’s winter outside.

Since Great Britain stretches for approximately a thousand kilometers from end to end, air temperatures can vary significantly in the south and north of the country. There are also differences between the drier climate of the eastern part of the country and the wetter west. The weather in Scotland and north-west England (especially the Lake District) is generally rainy and cold, with heavy snowfall in northern Scotland. The northeastern and central zone of the country is also characterized by a cold climate, although with less heavy rainfall. The southeast of the country is generally quite dry and warm, while the southwest part of the island is warm and mostly humid. Wales and Northern Ireland experience cold to moderate temperatures and little rainfall, while the hilly areas of Wales experience heavy snowfall at times. Although the highest places in the UK rarely reach 1300 meters above sea level, their influence on both temperature and rainfall is significant.

UK weather

Belfast

Cities and regions

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a commonwealth of several countries: England,Scotland,Wales And Northern Ireland . Also part of the country are the “Crown Lands” (Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and fourteen “Overseas Territories”.

The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are not, strictly speaking, part of the United Kingdom, but are so-called “crown territories”. This means that they have their own democratic government, laws and borders, and are not members of the EU, but they are not fully sovereign, falling under the influence of the British Crown and allowing the British government to manage a number of issues on the islands. Great Britain became known as The United Kingdom when the Irish and British Parliaments united in 1801 to form the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland". In the 20th century b OMost of the Irish counties united to form an independent Ireland, and only Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom.

England

England is the largest of the countries that make up Great Britain. It covers an area of 133,395 km² and 53 million people live on its territory, that is, the vast majority of the country's population. Capital London.

England is made up of 9 regions, which include a total of 48 counties. The most populous region is South East England. The smallest region in terms of area is Greater London, but due to the fact that part of the agglomeration is part of the South East England region, it is the most populated.

Scotland

Occupying territory in 78,772 sq. kilometers, located in the north of the island of Scotland, has a harsh climate and is not very populated - only 5,222,100 people. The country consists of 32 regions, the largest of which - the Highlands - is located in the very north of the country. Scotland is famous for its mountains and lakes, as well as its unique cultural traditions. The capital is Edinburgh.

Wales

A state in the east of the British Isle, inhabited by the Welsh - the ancestors of the Celts, so here you can still hear the Welsh language on every corner. Square - 20,779 km². The population is about 2,900 thousand people. The capital of the country is Cardiff. Wales is administratively divided into 22 regions.

Northern Ireland

A state on the island of Ireland, consisting of 6 counties, with the capital in the city of Belfast. The most problematic part of the UK due to serious religious conflicts and the activities of the IRA terrorist group. In the last couple of decades the situation has returned to normal. Today there are approximately 1,810,900 people living in Northern Ireland.

Cities

Many large and small towns in the UK may interest a traveler in the vicinity of its capital, London. Below is a list of the nine main cities in alphabetical order:

• Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland;
• Birmingham is the main city of central England and a great place for walking; homeland the famous dish "Balti";
• Bristol is a historic city and one of the most important ports in the country's history, famous for its Georgian architecture, maritime and musical traditions;
• Cardiff is the capital of Wales, a center of diverse cultural events, and has a unique combination of antiquity and modernity;
• Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, home to the world's largest arts festivals and home to numerous attractions; is also the second most visited city in the United Kingdom;
• Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, a new cultural center, the former “European City of Culture”;
• Liverpool is a city known as the birthplace of The Beatles, and also famous for its sporting traditions (Literpool and Everton football clubs) and nightlife;
• Manchester is a thriving bohemian music hub and a city with a rich industrial history; is the third most visited in the United Kingdom;
• Newcastle upon Tyne is the largest city in the northeast of England, a center of youth culture with a vibrant nightlife; the main local attraction is Hadrian's Wall;
• York is an outstanding historical centre.

What to see

Great Britain is a country with a rich history and culture; Moreover, it did not suffer as much as Germany during World War II, so a huge number of historical monuments have been preserved on its territory. The island has a unique, slightly rugged nature that everyone can appreciate, from the beaches of Brighton to the lochs and islands of Scotland.

Attractions

• - ancient megalithic structure, located near Salisbury in Wiltshire. This famous collection of huge stones is known all over the world, but it is still unknown what exactly it was used for.
• Baht- a city with many monuments of Gregorian architecture, Roman baths and the wonderful Bath Abbey.
• Edinburgh- one of the most beautiful cities in Britain and the world, second most visited after London. Its Old Town is a showcase of medieval architecture, and the Edinburgh Festival attracts huge numbers of tourists.
• Hadrian's Wall- an ancient border of the Roman Empire 122 km long, built in in 122 AD e. under Emperor Hadrian. It runs from east to west of the island, actually crossing it in the area of ​​the Anglo-Scottish border.
• York- a city in the north of England, surrounded by medieval walls; Its most important attractions are York Minster, the Chables quarters, the castle and the 13th-century abbey of Saint-Mary.
• Canterbury Cathedral- a magnificent medieval cathedral, founded at the beginning of the 7th century, and later rebuilt in the Gothic style. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and also the site of the death of Thomas Becket. The cathedral is glorified in Chaucer's legendary Canterbury Tales.
• Shakespeare's Birthplacein Stratford-upon-Avon— a large number of tourists and admirers of Shakespeare’s work come to this city. Today it looks the same in many places as it did in Shakespeare's time.
• Liverpool - the city is famous not only as the birthplace of The Beatles, but also as one of the exemplary ports of the past, thanks to which it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Fountains Abbey— the ruins of this abbey are located in Yorkshire. This monastery was built in 1132, but was subsequently destroyed. However, its ruins are well preserved and have become a place of pilgrimage for tourists.
• Giant's Causeway- located 100 kilometers from Belfast on the northern coast of Northern Ireland and is a series of rocks from of 40,000 massive pillars of black basalt.
• Castles of Wales - The country has preserved a number of magnificent medieval castles, for example, the castles of Conwy, Harlech, Cardiff, and Caernarvon. Some were built directly on the orders of Edward I, the English king who conquered Wales.
  
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to many famous British ships, some of which are on display in the dock today. The shipyard has more than five centuries of history.

The capital of the country, London, deserves special mention, which has played and continues to play a huge role in world history over the past at least a thousand years. It is not surprising that it contains a huge number of attractions - from to; from to St. Paul's Cathedral; from to ; from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace. You can find out more about the sights of London.

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Leisure

Transport

Private guides in the UK

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Great Britain in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Clubs

Most clubs do not allow visitors under 18 years of age. ID may be required at the entrance, although verification at the bar is less common. Clubs are usually cheaper on weekdays (Mon-Thu), since most of the visitors to these establishments are students, but you usually have to pay an entrance fee. Night clubs are popular in medium-sized and large cities. Bournemouth, Brighton, Manchester, London, Leeds and Sheffield have world-famous clubs, along with many alternative venues. Prices in clubs tend to be significantly higher than in pubs, and opening times may not be as attractive as in the past, with pubs now also open late.

For clubs in smaller towns, fees are typically £1-2 per night on weekdays and £2-3 at weekends, plus over £5 on rare special events. Regular clubs in big cities and alternative clubs in big cities charge £5-10. Large clubs, especially in major cities that provide large dance floors, usually charge over £10 and sometimes over £15 for entry. For towns with large student populations, it's often much cheaper to go clubbing on weekdays (Monday-Thursday) than on weekends, and many clubs attract students on these nights by offering discounted drinks and lower entry fees.

Surfing

It would seem, what is surfing like in England or Ireland? Countries that are not at all famous for their beaches, however, have at least a couple of resorts famous in the surf community - we are talking about the Irish Bundoran and the British Newquay.

Bundoran

This spot is for both beginners and experienced surfers. A reef break, waves on both sides, nearby cliffs, medium-sized swells - it may seem that a “teapot” has nothing to do here, but with the help of a surf school you can easily master the basics of surfing. If you are interested in bigger waves, you can go to Tullan Beach. In general, along the entire Atlantic coast of Ireland there are a large number of interesting surf spots - both complex and simple, and the lack of crowds can only be a plus for them.

Newquay

The British were not very lucky with the climate, but they also found a place suitable for boarding - this is Newquay in Cornwall. There are many hostels here, packed every year with surfers from all over the country. Fistral Beach is not protected from large swells, but nearby Watergate Bay is calmer. It is best to go here in September-October, and the spot is considered suitable for beginners.

You can find out more about the best places in the world to practice this exciting sport in the article “Riding a board: what is surfing and where is the best place to conquer the waves.”

Getting around the country

Communication

The languages ​​of Great Britain are a separate topic for discussion. Despite the fact that the vast majority of the country's residents speak fluent English, other languages ​​are also common - both among the island's native Scots and Welsh, and among national minorities in immigrant neighborhoods. For example, in London there are about 300 thousand people who speak Russian.

English- the main and official language of Great Britain, which is spoken throughout the country in one way or another. Due to large-scale immigration, certain areas of large cities are predominant.

Welsh- widely used in Wales, especially in the northern and western parts. Governments with responsibilities for Wales use bilingual documentation (in English and Welsh) and, for example, road signs in Wales are bilingual.

Gaelic can be heard throughout the Scottish Highlands and surrounding islands. The old Cornish language became a living language again in the twentieth century, but it is no longer passed on from parents to children, as Welsh and Gaelic still are today.

You should be prepared for the fact that English learned in Russia may differ significantly from what tourists hear in Britain. Firstly, these are accents - British, Scottish, Welsh, Irish. Secondly, there is a huge number of idioms that not everyone knows.

But the British themselves understand English of any kind very well, and guests for whom English is a second language should not be afraid of making mistakes. In the most difficult cases, when after the next phrase it is clear that you were not understood, you just need to wait a little until your message is understood or simply clarified. The British will never criticize or correct your speech. In London, you can easily come across cockney - a special slang of Londoners (mainly from the lower classes), which is characterized by incorrect pronunciation of some words and letters and even rhyming speech.

A few examples of words that may be unfamiliar to foreign tourists:

• Wee - small (used in Scotland, Northern Ireland, some older Englishmen)
• Loch - lake (used in Scotland)
• Aye - yes (in parts of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Northern England)
• Poke - ice cream in a waffle cone (used in Northern Ireland)
• Downing Street - used to refer to the UK government.
• Cymru (pronounced "Sim-roo" by some foreigners and more accurately pronounced by others as "Cum-ree") - Welsh (used in Wales)
• Cockney rhyming slang is also used in some areas of London, but it is highly unlikely that you will encounter this in everyday speech.

Politeness

People in the UK are generally polite, good-natured and friendly. Contrary to popular belief, most British people are very talkative and sociable. A good sense of humor is common throughout the country. The British are generally sympathetic to tourists, but those who do not speak English should be prepared for difficulties, as few people speak foreign languages ​​well, even in tourist areas. The most widely spoken foreign languages ​​are French, Spanish and German. Many people know a few words of French, Spanish or German from school but have had little opportunity to use them, so don't be surprised if people are reluctant to help you struggle with comprehension difficulties.

Public displays of affection will not be considered an offense unless you go too far. Homosexual expressions of affection are unlikely to upset or offend anyone. On hot days, it is acceptable for men to go out without a shirt, especially in parks, near the sea and in other tourist places, but mainly in informal places. Shorts are acceptable at any time of the year, except in establishments with a strict dress code. It is not customary for women to sunbathe topless, but it is quite acceptable for very young children to be naked on the beach. There are nudist beaches in Britain, although most are in secluded areas away from city centres. In public saunas, gender separation is common, although people here are completely naked extremely rarely.

It is acceptable to address people by their first names in most situations, although people you don't know well try to avoid names so as not to seem too familiar. In particularly formal or business settings, names are rarely used, especially before close acquaintance; the forms "Mr. X", "Ms. Y", "Mrs. Z" are used. Waiters, salespeople, and other employees will often address you as "sir" or "madam" or as "Mr. X." It is customary to address older people as "Mr. X" or "Mrs. X" at least at the beginning of a conversation. British caution is not what it used to be and the suggestion to move from "formal" to "intimate" relationships sounds like a "just call me (name)" which they often do at the very beginning of a conversation. If they give you a short name (eg Pete, Sue, Tom, Liz, Dave, etc.) then this is an invitation to leave all the formalities behind, although many people in Scotland prefer to be called by their full name.

Many British people use endearments at the end of sentences when talking to strangers, such as “darling”, “darling”, “darling”. This often surprises Americans, who are much less inclined to do so. This is simply an expression of friendliness and should not be taken literally. Please note that this is acceptable when addressing a) a woman to a man, b) a man to a woman, and c) a woman to a woman.

It is commonly said that the British are extremely evasive when they demand things from strangers. It's common for Brits to ask questions around the bush if they need to ask for something, for example, some may find it easier to say something like "could you tell me where I could find a fitting room?" in a clothing store instead of “where is the fitting room?” While it is perfectly acceptable to ask direct questions, it can sometimes be perceived as being too harsh or even rude.

Dining etiquette is almost the same as everywhere else. Mostly, attention is paid to basic rules of behavior at the table like “don’t talk with your mouth full”, “don’t eat with your hands” (unless it’s food that is eaten with your hands like pizza and chips), etc. Usually table etiquette is not the first necessity, except in formal restaurant settings.

When meeting or greeting someone, you can shake hands, the main thing is not to overdo it. It is considered good manners to stand when shaking hands. Greetings between friends and acquaintances are usually more casual and expressive and may include a hug, a pat on the back, or (between women or between a man and a woman) a European kiss on the cheek. Outside of a business setting, men rarely shake hands with women. “Gentlemanship” is still alive and well in modern Britain, so it is not uncommon for men to hold doors open for women, help them carry heavy bags and refuse to let a woman go home alone. Most British men consider it important to be "gentlemen" in this regard, although some teenagers are the exception to the rule.

Like many Europeans, some people in the UK have negative feelings about US policies, driven largely by the war in Iraq, which most people do not support. There is also a low level of hostility towards the EU, so many Britons may complain about Eurocrats, Brussels' wastefulness and excessive bureaucracy. Many people feel that British culture stands apart from continental culture. Again, this does not affect the hospitality towards continental Europeans, who are welcome throughout the country, as evidenced by the latest wave of Eastern European immigration. Be careful not to call Britain part of Europe or the British Europeans, as many do not feel that way. Anti-monarchist remarks can cause outrage and should be guarded against. Likewise, pro-monarchist remarks may be met with resentment, as some Britons dislike the royal family and should be avoided. Criticism of British traditions or cultural differences may be met with hostility, especially when comparing them to your country, especially if your country is the USA. Comments like “sports here are not as good as in our country” will be taken as an insult.

Although the British often joke about the nations that make up the British Commonwealth (especially Australia), there are really good relations between the British and representatives of these countries.

Also be careful when talking about sensitive topics such as immigration, especially in cities like Bradford where racism is common. Many people are very tolerant and do not support racism, but there are exceptions.

While Londoners themselves may sometimes joke about the London bombings of July 7, 2005, don't follow their lead. It's one thing for locals to belittle their own dignity, but if a tourist brings up a similar topic, it hurts people. A similar situation can arise when talking about the IRA or the situation in Northern Ireland. The IRA is unloved in Britain and any statements in its support are almost certain to cause outrage. In general, opinions in different regions regarding Northern Ireland are divided, which means it is better to avoid this topic, although with the normalization of the situation in Northern Ireland, opinions began to be expressed less harshly.

The British are a proud and often patriotic people and anyone who does not respect the British way of life will be put in their place, despite the fact that the British criticize their country more than other nations.

Kitchen

Despite all the jokes and stereotypes, British cuisine has improved significantly over the past few decades. Restaurants and supermarkets of the middle and upper class meet the highest standards and the choice of international dishes is very rich. However, unlike their continental neighbors, many (especially poorer) Britons continue to avoid worshiping food.

A meal at a restaurant in the city center will cost you a little more than, say, in the suburbs, pubs are a little more expensive in rural areas, but in general, anywhere in the country, a three-course order without drinks will cost a traveler between 10 and 15 lbs. Chicken tikka in masala sauce with rice is sometimes called Britain's most popular dish, although roast beef is a more traditional national dish.

Many large stores, especially department stores, always have a cafe or restaurant.
Smoking is now prohibited in all restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs without exception. However, some establishments do have 'smoking areas' and smoking is permitted by default in the gardens and outside terraces of pubs and restaurants.

Restaurants

Larger cities have a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes, serving a very wide range of cuisines from around the world, including Indian, Chinese, Thai, French and Italian. Waiters usually expect a 10% tip, and in some establishments this is automatically added to the bill. However, if you are not satisfied with the service, you are not required to pay extra for the service.

Roadhouses

Roadhouses are known for their high prices for food, but their main advantage is that they are usually open 24 hours a day. Most of them have fast food outlets and all have toilets. Some may limit the range of hot or cold food available at night, although this does not apply to most establishments. If possible, it's best to look for cheaper places to eat, which are usually within a mile or two of highway intersections. Try searching for the nearest establishments on the website, which contains a list of eateries located within a 5-minute drive from the highway.

Vegetarian restaurants

Vegetarianism has become widespread in the UK over the past few decades. If you are staying in a British home as a guest, politely informing the hosts in advance of any food requirements you may have will in no way be construed as rudeness.

In general, the best places for vegetarians are the dedicated vegetarian pubs and restaurants that are always present in big cities, or simply restaurants serving Indian, Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine. They usually have a range of vegetarian and vegan menus. By the way, prices in vegetarian restaurants can be quite steep.

Popular and traditional dishes

British cuisine has a number of its own traditional dishes that you can enjoy during your trip to the country. Eg, fish and chips(Fish and Chips) - deep-fried flattened fish (usually cod or haddock) with chips, cut into fairly large pieces, always from whole potatoes. This dish can be purchased from specialist Fish & Chips outlets, which can be found throughout the UK. There's probably no better way to get started with British cuisine than by ordering some fish and chips.

Some of the most popular restaurants in Britain are Indian. They can be found in every city and town. Indian restaurants prepare food commonly known as "curry". The most common Indian dishes in restaurants include chicken tikka in masala sauce, shrimp biryani, and the extremely spicy vindaloo (of Portuguese origin). The new trendy version of curry is known as "balti", possibly named after the metal container in which it is prepared and served. Balti, as well as a number of other famous dishes such as chicken tikka in masala sauce, originated in the UK, although they are based on Indian food. Birmingham is considered the capital of Balti, as the dish was invented here.

It should be noted that although these are all dishes that are specific to Britain, British cuisine consists largely of imported products, and even the cheapest pubs will have a lot of international dishes on their menus.

Blood sausage- a sausage made from condensed pork blood and breadcrumbs cooked in the intestine. Available throughout the UK, but especially in the north of England and the Birmingham area, it actually tastes better than its name might suggest.

Cornish pasty- beef with vegetables, baked in a dough envelope. The dish originates from Cornwall and is available throughout the UK. Generally very good in Devon and Cornwall, but may vary in quality elsewhere. Don't buy the ones sold in plastic containers at places like gas stations and roadside eateries.

Mars and Bounty bars fried in dough- a dish originally from Stonehaven, formerly Kincardineshire (Scotland), available in other parts of Scotland and fish and chip shops throughout the UK.

Haggis- a mixture of lamb offal and oatmeal, cooked in a lamb stomach. Originally from Scotland.

Lancashire stew- a stew of vegetables and meat. Originally from Lancashire but can be found in establishments throughout the UK.

Loverbred- puree of seaweed rolled in oatmeal, lightly fried. It is usually eaten with slices of bacon, although it can also be prepared as a vegetarian dish. Available in Swansea and West Wales.

Oatcakes- a signature dish of establishments in Stoke-on-Trent and the counties of North Staffordshire and Derbyshire. They are large oatcakes with a spicy filling and are eaten hot. Not to be confused with Scottish oatcakes, which are somewhat similar to sponge cakes.

Potato bread- a mixture of potatoes, salt, butter and flour. A signature dish of Northern Ireland establishments, eventually added to the so-called “Full English Breakfast” (as an addition to unleavened bread), it is part of the “Ulster Roast”. Also known as potato casserole in England and potato bread in Scotland.

Yorkshire pudding- a spicy side dish made from liquid unsweetened dough. Flat and round in shape, it is often served with a stir-fry (consisting of roast potatoes, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding). Originally from Yorkshire, but popular as a side dish throughout the UK.

Cheese - Although the British are not as proud of their cheese as their neighbors in France, Britain produces many different types of cheese, which tend to have regional characteristics. Well-known examples are Cheddar (named after the Cheddar Gorge in Somerset), Lancashire (which can be either rich or crumbly), Wensleydale (a valley in Yorkshire) and Cheshire. The quality of these cheeses varies greatly depending on where you buy them, so your local market is probably the best place to find them.

Beverages

The legal age to buy and drink alcohol is 18 (although teens aged 16 and 17 can have a glass of cider, perry or mead with a meal), but many older teens (under 18) do not appear to have much problems with purchasing alcohol in small pubs or shops operating without a license. Still, if you are over 18 but look younger, be prepared to have to prove your age when purchasing alcohol, especially in popular places in the city. The easiest way is to present a passport or driver's license, which has both your date of birth and a photo, which is more than enough for most sellers.

Noisy drunken parties and just getting together with beer are something that Britain has been famous for for a long time, and this applies to all layers of British society. It's worth remembering the former prime minister, Tony Blair, who collected his son Ewan from the police after he was found drunk after celebrating his exams at the age of 16. However, the British have a great sense of humor, and after a hangover everything is forgotten, at least until the next time.

Pubs

The pub is the most popular place to buy booze in the UK. Each village has its own pub selling spirits, wines, beers, ciders, cocktails along with potato chips, nuts and pork dishes. Many serve light snacks and meals. The largest share of alcoholic beverages is beer of various varieties, mainly light, bitter and strong. People not looking for "real ale" can visit any nearby pub, as most light beers and TV-advertised lagers are available in any pub. Many people prefer pubs with real ale. In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland there is a general ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants, although many pubs have areas outside where smoking is permitted.

British "real ale" (Real ale), championed by CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale - is one of the best in the world, although its taste is unlikely to be appreciated by everyone. People wanting to try "real ale" should choose the right pub - these can be checked with locals.

The British generally follow a number of unwritten rules of behavior in pubs, despite the fact that establishments can differ greatly from each other.

• Don't bang money on the table to get the bartender's attention.
• Tipping is not customary in most pubs, so you should take all your change. Patrons who know the staff can order a drink from the owner or bartender. “A pint of the best for the owner and one for yourself.” The owner will often take the money instead of drinking too much.
• Keep your voice low and try not to draw attention to yourself, especially in smaller pubs.
• It is better to refrain from heated debates on controversial topics in pubs and bars, because if others join in, the situation may get out of control
• If you need an extra chair, you can take it from another table. If someone is already sitting there (even if only one person is sitting at a table for six), you need to ask permission to take a chair.
• You should behave calmly at the bar. Attempts to accommodate the queue may be perceived unkindly and lead to conflicts. If someone got in line ahead of you, you can safely announce it, you will receive support from those around you.
• In men's toilets, especially in large pubs or clubs, do not try to start a conversation or linger for long on the person you are talking to. Toilets in British pubs are “in and out” places; some drunks may misunderstand a casually thrown phrase.

Many of the pubs are quite old and have the traditional names of the Red Lion or the King's Arms; Before widespread literacy, pubs were identified by most patrons by their signs. There has been a recent trend, sorely opposed in some areas, to oppose chain pubs such as Hogshead, Slug and Lettuce and others owned by JD Wetherspoon. Another recent trend is the emergence of "gastropubs", which are the result of a rethinking of the traditional pub structure, with a selection of high-quality food (at restaurant prices).

Beer in pubs is served in pints or half-pints, or in bottles. Simply ordering a beer will be understood as ordering a pint, such as "London Pride please." Or "half London Pride please", which means half a pint. Prices vary considerably depending on the city, pub and beer, but generally a pint will cost between £2-3. Pubs often offer food during the day. Drinks are ordered and paid for at the bar.

When applying for a licence, pubs can specify any opening hours, these can still be changed by neighbors etc. Normal closing times on weekends are between midnight and 1am, some larger pubs open until 2am and clubs until 3-4am nights. It is not unusual for some bars to have a license to stay open until the early hours of the morning (6:00), although this is rare as many who are not at home at this time would like to go to a nightclub and then go home. In theory, a pub could get a 24-hour license, but few do. For more information about specific establishments in the British capital, see the “Pubs in London” section.

Purchases

Britain is an expensive country even for the British themselves and, given the stability of the pound, even more expensive for foreigners. The high cost of basic necessities - from food and shelter to transport - means you can spend up to £50 (approximately $100) a day on basic expenses alone, and much more if you use taxis or stay in hotels from 3 stars and eat in a restaurant.

Living in London and the south-east of the country will cost three times more than in any other region. The northern regions of the country have more reasonable prices.

Money

The currency of the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (£); it contains 100 pence. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 pence, as well as 1 and 2 pounds, and banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 pounds. English banknotes feature the Queen on one side and famous historical figures on the other. Scottish and Northern Irish banks issue their own banknotes in the same denominations, with their own designs. Scotland also has £100 notes and old £1 notes. Sellers are quite reluctant to accept Scottish and Irish banknotes outside their respective countries.

You may also sometimes hear the word "quid" for pound sterling, which roughly translates to "sovereign". This word does not change and is used for both singular and plural; "three quid" means "three pounds". Similarly, in some regions the slang word "pea" is used when referring to a penny or penny. And some people still use traditional terms such as "penny", "tupence" (two pence) and "thrupence" (three pence).

Generally, shopkeepers and other establishments in the UK are not required to accept currencies other than sterling, so there is no point in even trying.

It is best to avoid £50 notes as they are not readily accepted - change is simply not always available in shops. Most large banks will not accept money from you unless you are their client, which can be annoying. However, you can change money without paying a commission at some post offices. It is also advisable to use credit or debit cards when making large purchases over £100. Don't carry a lot of small £10 or £20 notes on you as they are not always accepted for purchases over £100.

ATMs, commonly referred to in Britain as cash points or less formally as "holes in the walls", are ubiquitous and typically dispense £10 and £20 notes. Traveler's checks can be exchanged at most banks. It's also worth knowing that non-bank ATMs (which are easy to spot and usually look like a small kiosk or booth, while bank ATMs are hidden in the walls of buildings) tend to charge a service fee, even if you use a foreign bank card . On average, this amount will be 1.75 pounds per transaction, but the ATM will always warn you about this and offer to cancel the transaction.

Visa, MasterCars and Maestro cards are generally accepted in most stores and restaurants, but American Express cards are usually only accepted in very large stores, so it's best to inquire in advance. In English shops, chip cards are mainly accepted.

If you only want to visit England and Wales, then there should be no problems, since only Bank of England money is used in these territories. These banknotes are also accepted in most areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, in Scotland the more common banknotes are those issued by the Bank of Scotland, the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Cladesdale Bank. These notes are accepted by most major retailers in major cities in England and Wales, but some smaller shops, particularly in the south of England, may refuse to accept Scottish notes. Scottish banknotes are also accepted and circulate freely in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland there are 4 types of banknotes in circulation, issued by banks in Northern Ireland. They are freely accepted and are sometimes found in circulation in Scotland and should also be accepted in most major retail outlets in major cities in England and Wales. But small traders in small towns across England and Wales almost always refuse to accept Northern Ireland notes.

There is no difference in commercial value between the English pound, the Scottish pound and the Northern Irish pound as they are all official currencies, but the traveler, especially in Northern Ireland, should be careful when choosing where to exchange these notes for English pounds as most ports and airports charge for such services. It is recommended to exchange banknotes in hotels or banks, where they are exchanged one to one without commission or any fees. Sometimes this can also be done in branches of large retail chains that have offices throughout the United Kingdom, whose employees exchange banknotes without commission if asked to do so. A person unfamiliar with British currencies is better off using Bank of England notes, especially since no shop assistant in Scotland or Northern Ireland will be offended when asked to give change in this currency, although there are exceptions.

Shopping

Although Britain's shops are quite expensive, they are generally considered to be some of the best shopping destinations in the world, both in terms of variety and quality of products; it all depends on what and where you buy. High competition in the market has greatly reduced prices for food, clothing and electronics. Prices vary greatly, so it is always advisable to visit several shopping centers to find a product at a reasonable price. Avoid shopping in tourist areas, try to visit shops on central streets or in suburban shopping complexes - prices here will be much lower.

VAT (Value Added Tax - a statutory duty on many goods and services in the UK) is 15%. In most high street stores VAT is included in the price of goods. However, for expensive goods, especially computer equipment and electronics, stores may indicate the price without VAT; in such cases, the “price without VAT” mark must be present next to the price of the product. The VAT amount can be refunded upon return to Russia; read more about the refund procedure.

Connection

Telephone

In case of emergency, call 999 or 112 from any phone. These calls are free and are answered by emergency operators inquiring about the location and service required (police, fire, ambulance, coast guard or mountain rescue). You can also call this number from any mobile operator, even if you do not have roaming. It is a very serious offense to call this number without a valid reason.

UK calling code - 44 .

To call from the UK to Russia you need to dial: 00 - 7 - subscriber number.

If you call a cell phone, you just need to dial the subscriber’s number via +7.

To call from Russia to the UK you need to dial: 8 10 44 - city code/operator code - phone number.

If you call from a cell phone, simply dial +44 - city code/operator code - phone number.

Payphones have become a thing of the past in recent years, but are still available in many public places - stations, airports, etc. Payphones usually charge cash (minimum 30p, although some private payphones may charge more), change is not refundable, but you can continue using the money on your next call. Some new payphones accept credit and charge cards and may even allow you to send email and surf the web. Phone cards are disappearing from use, although a number of prepaid phone cards can be purchased from newsagents for cheap international calls. Some payphones now accept euros. A simple and cheaper alternative for international calls are direct dialing services, also used on mobile phones and sometimes on Skype: , , , , , , , , or . This significantly reduces the cost of a call compared to standard services and does not require you to purchase a card or open an account. You just need to dial access numbers, which are paid at different rates (for example, 0870 - at a non-geographic national rate)

mobile connection

Mobile phones are used by the vast majority of Britons today. The UK has almost complete mobile phone coverage - 99% of the island. Many cities also have 3G coverage. The main mobile operators - T-Mobile, Vodafone, Orange and O2 - use the GSM standard. Various services such as simple mobile Internet are also available. Since 2003, new 3G networks based on the CDMA standard began to develop; the operator “” became the first provider of such services. Mobile tariffs in the UK are quite expensive - 20-30 pence per minute for calls to other operators and around 10 pence within the network. Tariff plans are mainly divided into 2 types:

• SIM card with contract— suitable for those who come to the country for a long time; the contract is concluded for 12 or 18 months, and a passport and proof of address are required to conclude it; Every month the subscriber pays from 20 to 70 pounds, plus about 150 minutes are immediately available in his account.
• Contract-free SIM card— the phone account is topped up using cards or in cash through terminals, no contracts and no bills, some operators also offer a number of free SMS. This is the best option for tourists.

You can buy a SIM card from high street electronics and phone retailers or buy it online. However, please note that prices differ significantly - from cheap cards from companies and, which are easy to purchase in Carphone Warehouse stores, to expensive SIM cards from popular companies, and. However, these giants have an incredible number of offers, which are easier to find out about on their official websites.

The cost of calls can vary significantly depending on when, where and where the call is made. Calls from hotel rooms can be significantly more expensive due to additional fees, so it's best to check this immediately (it may be cheaper to use a payphone in the lobby). Calls from payphones and landlines to mobile phones can also be expensive; if possible, call your subscriber to a landline number. Beware of premium rate calls, which can also be very expensive. Text messages from mobiles cost around 10p per message, while a picture or MMS message costs around 45p (20p on some networks). Calls between landline telephones are priced at local or national rates based on the territorial codes of the regions; if they are the same, then it is not necessary to dial the code and the call will be charged at the local rate. Please note that local calls are not completely free. The following table contains the first few digits for different calls, allowing you to avoid some of the errors described above.

Education

The UK has been a center of education for 1000 years and has many old and renowned universities. Many former polytechnics and other colleges have become universities in the last 25 years, and there are now more than 120 chartered institutions in the UK, which has led to a relative decline in research activity, so that the phrase "British scientists" is now almost unheard of without irony.

Besides London, the main universities in England are located in Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, York, Nottingham, Bath, Lowborough, Newcastle, Southampton, Warwick and Durham. However, the two most famous universities are Oxford and Cambridge (often called Oxbridge by the British) — have not lost their highest level and status, and are still considered a reference. To be fair, besides them, there are several other world-class institutions in England, including several in London (the most famous of them: Imperial College, Cass Business School, London School of Economics, University College and King's College, all - part of the University of London).

Scotland has its own, partially separate education system with universities in Aberideen, Dundee, Edinburgh (Edinburgh University, Napier University, Queen Margaret University and Heriot-Watt University), Glasgow (University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde and Caledonian University), Stirling and St Andrews.

There are only two universities in Northern Ireland: Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University (with campuses in Belfast, Jordanstown, Coleraine and Londonderry). Although Queen's University is older and more famous, both have earned a high degree of respect in the UK for their excellent quality of education.

Traditionally, the University of Wales comprised four large universities in the cities of Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea.

Overseas students make up a significant proportion of the student body at UK universities, numbering over 300,000 as of 2004. All applications go through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which acts as a clearing house for submitting applications to universities for review. , and then passing their decision on to applicants. Tuition fees for international students vary significantly, amounting to significantly higher amounts at prestigious institutions.

The UK - London, Manchester and Edinburgh in particular - remains an extremely popular destination for people wanting to learn English. A huge number of organizations and companies are ready to satisfy their desire (among them there are both really worthwhile and not very attractive options).

Safety

The UK is considered, in general, not the most dangerous country in the world, but if you compare it with the Scandinavian countries or the Benelux countries, it is immediately clear that it is not always calm here. In general, more crimes are committed in the country than in other Western European countries, but this is unlikely to surprise Russian tourists.

In tourist areas, you should carefully watch your pockets - special signs often warn about the presence of thieves here. You should also not take valuable documents with you, and it is better to leave them in the hotel safe.

A lot of street crime is associated with the actions of young people, especially in neighborhoods with large numbers of migrants from Pakistan, African and Caribbean countries. For example, many areas of East London have turned into almost ghettos, so you shouldn't look there.

In case of any emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for ambulance, fire, police or coast guard after connecting. In almost all services in the country, calls requiring the use of police personnel are assessed by urgency. In cases of risk to life or property, the police will arrive immediately, while in less serious cases the police may not respond as quickly.

In some places, minor crimes like pickpocketing can be more of an annoyance than cause any real harm, but even such crimes are not very common, except in the centers of large cities, etc. Main precautions:

Outdoors:

• Don't show off wads of money or wear massive jewelry.
• Be careful, if the area shows signs of vandalism and there are suspicious-looking people walking around, it's probably not the best place to stop.
• Walking alone anywhere at night should be done with great caution, stick to well-lit main roads, and do not walk along side streets.
• Try not to get drunk. If this happens, take a taxi home.
• Like many Western countries, in recent years Britain has developed something of a “culture of provocation”: disgruntled and mostly young people behave antisocially, usually while intoxicated, and can shock others by shouting obscenities and committing rash acts. It is better to ignore them if possible. Their language and behavior can be threatening, but in crowded areas they are usually not dangerous. However, be careful: in deserted places and suburban areas they can be more dangerous, and may even attack in response to any provocation on your part. If this happens, don't try to fight, just run away. It is not uncommon for young people to carry knives and even firearms in some places.
• If you suspect or feel threatened, go to the nearest visible government official. This could be anyone from a police officer to a pub owner.

Using a car:

• The UK is one of the leading countries for car theft, so make sure you lock the doors when leaving your car, or better yet park it in a designated area.
• Keep your trunk locked - In some places, thieves will open your trunk and steal bags while stopped at traffic lights.
• Keep cell phones and jewelry out of sight—especially when parking your car.
• Park in well-lit areas without objects blocking the car; if there are bushes, etc., thieves can open the lock unnoticed.
• Insurance should be extended to cover the cost of glass replacement, as thieves often break glass to get inside.

In public transport:

• Buses and trains: When entering, stand near the driver/conductor. Be careful on buses and trains at night (especially in cities).
• Taxi: Take licensed black taxis, voting on the road, or alternative private taxis (mini-taxi) upon reservation. Do not stop a mini-taxi on the street, as this is prohibited by licensing laws and the driver will charge you as much money as he wants. When using any taxi, it is worth checking its license, its number is written on the license plate. Often used black taxis with an expired license are taken on night routes on Friday and Saturday.

In public places:

• In some cities it is a crime to drink alcohol on the street, although this law is widely violated.
• Public nudity is a very rare occurrence and, although not a criminal offence, may result in charges if it is determined that you intended to shock people by doing so.
• Sex in public places is prohibited.
• The legal age for both heterosexual and homosexual public contact is 16 (in Northern Ireland 17). However, such contact in the case of a “trust relationship” (for example, between a teacher and a student, a lawyer and a client, etc.) is only possible at 18 years of age.

Number of violent crimes. Most are gang and drug related in dangerous areas around the main cities, although the chances of a tourist ending up in one of these areas are slim. Most travelers should be especially careful at night after pubs and clubs close, especially in taxi queues and where football fans clash. A number of small towns, especially in the north, can be particularly dangerous. However, the UK is no more dangerous than most other European countries if the necessary safety precautions are taken.

Police in the UK are very tolerant, although new laws give them significant powers over those they consider to be behaving inappropriately. Excessive foul language when speaking to a police officer or other member of the public may result in arrest or an on-the-spot fine of 80 pounds (approximately $150).

There are now also "community police officers" patrolling many areas. These are primarily foot patrol officers wearing uniforms similar to regular police officers who have a certain amount of power allowing them to arrest offenders and levy fines for certain offenses. Their rights vary greatly in different regions of the country.

Non-white tourists are unlikely to experience overt racism or racial violence. White tourists should not go to places where there are large numbers of non-white immigrants. If someone makes any racist remarks that you find offensive, call the police. Racial crimes are a high priority for the police, so a quick police response is virtually guaranteed. It is unlikely that you will have to face any danger in public or tourist places. As stated above, if in doubt, go to the nearest law enforcement representative.

Health

The local emergency number is 999, but the EU number 112 can also be used. For advice on non-urgent medical issues, you can call the 24-hour National Health Service (NHS) number 0845 4647 (in Scotland 08454 242424).

Emergency cases are handled by the National Health Service and are provided in any hospital with first aid departments. Also be prepared to wait about 4 hours for an inspection unless the case is serious.

Although treatment in hospitals and by National Service doctors is free for British citizens, overseas visitors must pay for treatment in many cases. However, citizens of the EU and some other countries can receive certain health services if they have a European health insurance card.

For minor ailments and over-the-counter medicines, please contact your pharmacist (there are a large number of retail pharmacies where pharmacists must be registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, as well as have a university degree and/or certificates of completion of any further courses ), well-known pharmacy chains include Boots and Lloyds, and many supermarkets also have their own pharmacists.

Sexually transmitted diseases are very common among young people, so it is worth protecting yourself during sexual contacts. There are approximately 50,000 people living with HIV in the UK. Many people practice unsafe sex, get the virus and do not know they are infected. So, as elsewhere in the world, safe sex is the key to health.

Where to stay

The UK has a wide range of star-rated hotels, from luxury 5-star hotels to budget 1-star hotels. There are also a large number of privately owned bed and breakfast establishments (abbreviated as "B&B"), providing rooms and usually a "full English breakfast". It is also possible to rent a private house provided as a “holiday home”. Many similar houses are offered on various free websites or on the service providers' own websites. Many options can be found using search engines by asking “self-catering holiday accommodation”.

Travelers on a budget can stay at the youth/tourist base.

• YHA England and Wales Tel. 0870 770 6113
• ScottishYHA, Email: [email protected], tel. 0870 1553255
• HI Northern Ireland Tel. 028 9032 4733
• Recently, many independent camp sites have appeared, some private camps offer more attractive conditions than the Youth Hostels Association (YHA). Their addresses can be found on the website (Directory of Independent Campsites).

There are also many campgrounds with varying levels of services.

Many travelers in the UK tend to travel in 'campervans' (caravans equipped with a kitchen, bedroom and toilet), in which case the accommodation travels with you. There are campsites and caravan parks in many parts of the country.

The most whimsical option is the houses of the Landmark Trust - this charitable organization buys historical buildings, various exotic buildings and other unusual examples of architecture, especially those that are on the verge of destruction, restores them and rents them out to tourists. To order, call tel. 01628 825925 or write to [email protected].

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The name of the country comes from the English Great Britain. Britain - according to the ethnonym of the Briton tribe.

The capital of Great Britain. London.

UK area. 244,700 km2.

Administrative divisions of Great Britain. It consists of four historical regions (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), which are divided administratively into numerous counties. England: 39 counties, 6 shires and a special administrative unit - Greater London (administrative center - London).

Wales: 8 counties (administrative center - Cardiff). Scotland: 12 regions and 186 islands (administrative center - Edinburgh).

Northern Ireland: 26 counties (administrative center - Belfast). The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands have a special status.

UK form of government. .

Head of State of Great Britain. The monarch is the supreme bearer of executive power, the head of the judicial system, and the supreme commander in chief.

Great Britain's highest legislative body. A bicameral parliament consisting of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Elected for a term of 5 years.

Great Britain's highest executive body. Council of Ministers.

Major UK cities. Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Belfast.

Official language of Great Britain. English, in Wales - English and Welsh.

Religion of Great Britain. 47% are Anglicans, 16% are .

Ethnic composition of Great Britain. 81.5% are English, 9.6% are Scots, 2.4% are Irish, 1.9% are Welsh.

UK currency. Pound sterling = 100 pence.

UK climate. called the country and rains. varies depending on the region. In England the climate is mild and humid, thanks to the relative warmth of the seas that wash it. The average annual temperature is about + 11 °C in the south and + 9 °C in the northeast. Scotland is the coldest region in the UK. In the mountains in the north there is snow from November to April-May. The climate of Wales and Northern Ireland is mild and humid. The average annual temperature in Northern Ireland is + 10 °C. The heaviest precipitation is in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the mountains of England and Wales (1000-1500 mm per year). The least rainfall is in south-east England (600-750 mm per year). Flora. The vegetation of England is quite poor, forests occupy less than 4% of the territory, the most common are oak, birch, and pine. In Scotland, woodland is more common, although the region is dominated by moorland. Mainly in the south and east grow oak and coniferous trees - spruce, pine and larch. In Wales the forests are mostly deciduous - ash and oak. Coniferous trees are common in mountainous areas.

Fauna of Great Britain. England is inhabited by deer, fox, rabbit, hare, and badger. Birds include partridge, pigeon, and raven. Reptiles, of which there are only 4 species, are rare in England. The rivers are inhabited mainly by salmon and trout. The most typical animals in Scotland are deer, roe deer, hare, rabbit, marten, otter and wild cat. The predominant birds are partridges and wild ducks. There are also plenty of salmon and trout in Scotland's rivers and lakes. Cod, herring, and haddock are caught in coastal waters. In Wales the fauna is almost the same as in England, with the exception of the ferret and pine marten, which are absent in England. and lakes. The main rivers of England are the Thames, Severn, and Tyne. The main rivers of Scotland are the Clyde, Tay, Force, Tweed, Dee and Spey. Among the numerous lakes, the legendary Loch Ness, Loch Tay, and Loch Katrine especially stand out. The main rivers of Wales: Dee, Usk, Teifi. The largest lake is Bala. The main rivers of Northern Ireland are the Foyle, Upper Ban and Lower Ban. Lough Neagh is the largest in the British Isles. Attractions. Megalithic complex, church in Bargona, castle from the 12th century. in Inverness, Glasgow Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle and Church, Cardiff Castle, Shakespeare House Museum in Stratford, Oxford and Cambridge Universities, in London - the British Museum, Tower Castle (the royal crown jewels are kept here), Westminster Abbey (the place of coronation of British kings ) with Poets' Corner, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben Clock Tower, Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Hyde Park with Speakers' Corner and much more. There is a column in Trafalgar Square. The “square mile of sin” is the Soho district.

Useful information for tourists

Shops are usually open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 17.30, although many department stores are open until 18.00, and on Wednesdays or Thursdays until 19.00-20.00. Large stores can also receive customers on Sundays, but only during any six hours from 10.00 to 18.00. In small towns and villages, shops often close for a half-day afternoon once a week, as well as for an hour-long lunch break.

Hotels in many cases have a special service charge, usually 10-12%. Where this fee is not included in the bill, the staff and maids who serve you are usually given a tip of 10-15% of the bill.

Some restaurant bills include service. Where it is not taken into account, a tip of 10-15% of the bill amount is accepted.

Porters receive 50-75 pence per suitcase, taxi drivers - 10-15% of the fare.
One of the quirks you may encounter in the UK is that most hotels still don't have mixer taps above the washbasin. The British do not wash with running water, but fill a washbasin full of water, use it, then flush it.

On the day of departure you must vacate your room before 12.00. If there is a lot of time left before the plane takes off
time, things can be left in the hotel storage room.

In England, good manners and table manners are very important, so you must follow the basic rules of the meal ritual. Never place your hands on the table, keep them on your lap. The cutlery is not removed from the plates, since knife stands are not used in England. Do not transfer cutlery from one hand to another; the knife should always be in the right hand, the fork in the left. Since various vegetables are served at the same time as meat dishes, you should proceed as follows: you put the vegetables on a small piece of meat using a knife; learn to hold them there with the back of a fork without piercing them. If you dare to prick even one pea on a fork, you will be considered ill-mannered.

You should not kiss ladies' hands or say compliments in public such as “What a dress you have!” or “This cake is so delicious!” - they are regarded as great indelicacy.

Individual conversations are not allowed at the table. Everyone must listen to whoever is speaking at the moment and, in turn, speak loudly enough to be heard by those present. Remember that the British have their own lifestyle, and they, like no other nation, sacredly honor traditions and customs.

When going to the UK - the land of fogs - we advise you not to forget that the British one is unpredictable! Winters are usually quite mild, with temperatures rarely reaching sub-zero. From March to May, days can be both sunny and windy, with rain. In June-August, temperatures can reach + 30 °C or more, but during the day, as a rule, they remain somewhere between + 20-25 °C. In London it rains 180 days a year, and the wettest cities are Liverpool and Manchester.

Great Britain is the abbreviated name for the island state of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, formed in 1801 by the merger of several autonomous territorial units. The Western European island on which the kingdom is located is also called Great Britain. Before the merger with Northern Ireland, from 1707 to 1800, the simpler name of the state was used - the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Currently, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland includes:

• England;
• Scotland;
• Wales;
• Northern Ireland.

In the Middle Ages, from 1603 to 1707, each country had its own government, but subsequently England, Scotland and Wales united under the auspices of a single parliament and government, which henceforth began to be located in London Westminster. At the same time, the state maintained a constitutional monarchy, and the residence of the monarch was also located in the capital. This gave rise to the Kingdom of Great Britain.

On January 1, 1801, Northern Ireland became part of the state, which is reflected in its name, which is still used today. Unofficially, the kingdom is called Great Britain or Britain, but it should be distinguished from England, which is only a part of it, although the largest and most significant. Each of the countries included in the kingdom has its own history, political, economic and other characteristics, so their names have a big difference.

Their territories are home to unique historical and architectural structures, including Stonehenge, Roman baths, the ancient universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Edinburgh Castle and others. However, they are all considered to be the common national heritage of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The main language of the kingdom is traditionally English, which is divided by the British into several dialects depending on a particular territorial unit.

England

England is the historical core of Great Britain and one of its administrative and political parts, occupies two-thirds of the island. The capital is London. The country received its name from a tribe of Angles of Germanic origin who moved to the British Isles in the 5th and 6th centuries. Today the inhabitants of England are called English. In the west it borders with Wales, and in the north with Scotland.

England is mostly hilly, becoming more mountainous towards the north. The flat and mountainous areas are conventionally separated by the mouth of the rivers Tis in the northeast and Aix in the southwest. The east is wetlands that are being actively drained for agricultural use.

In a country that occupies more than 130 thousand square meters. km, home to almost 80% of the total population of Great Britain (more than 50 million people). Administratively, it is divided into 39 counties and, in addition to London, has five more large cities:

• Birmingham;
• Leeds;
• Sheffield;
• Liverpool;
• Manchester.

Scotland

This country is also an autonomous administrative and political unit of Great Britain. Located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain and on the border with England. It is washed on three sides by seas connected to the Atlantic Ocean. To the east is the North Sea, to the west and southwest are the North Channel and the Irish Sea. Scotland also includes several hundred small border islands, most of which remain uninhabited, but the North Sea is rich in oil fields.

The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh, but the first and largest city is Glasgow, which is distinguished by its developed industry. Since the 18th century, Edinburgh has remained the main center of the Scottish Enlightenment and retains its right to be the most significant settlement. The third largest city, Aberdeen, is one of the main oil and energy centers in Europe, making Scotland one of the most important commercial, industrial and scientific regions in Europe.

Wales

Wales is the third largest administrative and political unit of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with an area of ​​20,764 square meters. km., which in the past was a conglomerate of independent Celtic kingdoms. The country is located in the southwest of Great Britain. In the north it is washed by the waters of the Irish Sea, in the south by Bristol Bay, and in the west by St. George's Channel. On the eastern side, Wales borders the following English counties:

• Cheshire;
• Gloucestershire;
• Herefordshire;
• Shropshire.

Despite its long-standing political unity with England, Wales has a large number of unique cultural traditions. Its population is more than three million people. Industrial areas in the northeast and south of the country are especially densely populated. The natural landscape is largely represented by steppe plains and vast heathlands. The largest and main city is Cardiff, followed by Swansea, Rhondagh and Newport.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is another part of the United Kingdom, located in the northeast of the island of Ireland. The unofficial name of the province is Ulster, which it bore during the period of unity with Ireland. Consists of six counties, including Armagh, Antrim, Fermanagh, Down, Tyrone and Londonderry, and has 26 counties. Northern Ireland, which consists mostly of rolling hills, is home to Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles. Northern Ireland also has a long coastline, stretching from Lough Foyle to the Morne Mountains.

Northern Ireland has the highest population density for Great Britain: 14,138 sq. km, (1/6 of the area of ​​Ireland) is home to 1/3 of the total population of the island of Ireland. Northern Ireland is traditionally considered an agricultural province, but it is characterized by a high level of industrial development, slightly inferior to England. The capital is the largest city in size, Belfast (about 300 thousand inhabitants), which is also the main industrial center. It is followed by Londonderry (Derry) with a population of just under 100 thousand people. Other significant settlements include Newtownabbey, Lisburn, Lurgan, Ballymina, Newtownards, Armagh and Omagh.

You will learn from this article how England differs from Great Britain, the lords' fees from the House of Commons, and Prince Harry from Princess Beatrice.

Most of us use the words “England” and “Great Britain” as identical concepts, without going particularly into the legal meaning of these concepts. Meanwhile, as they say in Odessa, these are “two big differences,” two completely different territories.

England- a territory on the island of Great Britain, its largest administrative unit. The name “England” goes back to the name of one of the Germanic tribes (the Angles) that once inhabited this historical region.

Scottish man in traditional costume

During the era of medieval fragmentation of Europe, England was an independent kingdom, whose possessions either increased or decreased depending on the military successes of local rulers.

Great Britain- this is the name of the largest island of the British archipelago, on which, in addition to England, there are two more independent territories that were previously independent states: Wales and Scotland.

Henry VIII - one of the most famous rulers of medieval England

Country England or Great Britain?

The country that we call either England or Great Britain is officially called “The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”. Therefore, strictly speaking, both names are wrong.

The United Kingdom's possessions include the island of Great Britain, the north of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands and archipelagos around the world, such as Gibraltar, Bermuda, the Falkland Islands and the Cayman Islands.

Tower Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in Great Britain

In Russia, this cumbersome name is often shortened to “Great Britain”. In Europe, the abbreviation UK (from “united kingdom”) is almost always used for abbreviation.

British Royal Guards dress uniform

United Kingdom of Great Britain: general information

What part of the continent is Great Britain located on?

Great Britain, not counting small islands, is located in the British Archipelago, in the North-Western part of Europe. This region is often called Foggy Albion due to the abundance of rain, dampness and endless fog that cyclones bring from the Atlantic.

The warm waters of the Gulf Stream slightly soften the climate: there are no very cold winters here (with the exception of the mountainous areas of Scotland and Wales), and in summer the average temperature is around 20 Celsius.

Rain and fog are common in England

Capital of England and Great Britain

London is the capital of Great Britain and is also the capital of the administrative region of England. This is the largest city in the kingdom, its cultural and economic center. London is also one of the global financial centers of the world.

Economic institutions of global scale are concentrated here; the main financial flows of the largest transnational corporations and currency centers of smaller states pass through London.

London is the capital of England and Great Britain

London was founded by the Romans as the capital of the Roman province of Britannia, located in the British Isles. The first mention of London is found in 117 by the Roman historian Tacitus - at that time the city had existed for more than 50 years.

London has occupied its leading position among other capitals since the Middle Ages. In terms of influence on world politics, few cities in the Old World can compete with the center of the British Empire.

In the 20th century, London also gained fame as one of the world's main centers of fashion and youth subculture. It is to London that we owe the appearance of “dandy” and “casual” styles, rock musicians and the Beatles group.

The Beatles are Britain's most famous rock band

Great Britain on the world map

Today, Great Britain ranks modestly 78th in the world in terms of territory size. It accounts for only 2% of the earth's surface. We can say that Great Britain is just a small spot on the world map. But it was not always so.

At its height, the British Empire literally controlled a quarter of the world. At the beginning of the 20th century, Great Britain was the largest state that has ever existed on the planet (its record has not yet been broken).

Former British colonies on the world map

In addition to the crown territories in the British Isles, Great Britain owned: Canada, Australia, half of the African continent, India, Oman, Iraq, Honduras, Bermuda and the Bahamas, Malaysia, Burma, New Zealand, New Guinea, Cyprus and other smaller territories. The USA was also territory of the British Crown until its War of Independence in 1776.

Contemporaries said that the sun never sets on the British Empire. In fairness, it should be noted that the colonial policy of Great Britain did not promise anything good for the conquered territories. In the history of the British Empire there were many bloody wars and the most severe punitive operations in the territories under its control.

Modern territory of Great Britain on the map of Europe

Map of Great Britain in Russian

You can see detailed maps of Great Britain, including a map of attractions, roads and railways, administrative divisions and many others. All maps are available for download.

Political structure of Great Britain

Who is the head of state in Great Britain?

The UK has a rather complex and confusing system of government. In addition to the monarch, there are such bodies governing the country as the House of Lords, the House of Commons, the Cabinet of Ministers and the Prime Minister.

British Parliament House in London

UK House of Commons

The main task of the House of Commons is to represent the interests of all classes of the population when passing laws in the state. Members of the House of Commons are elected by voting in the administrative districts of Great Britain for a term of 5 years. This is the lowest level of the UK legislature.

UK House of Lords

The House of Lords represents the interests of the highest aristocracy and clergy in Great Britain. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the House of Lords had the right to reject any bill proposed by the House of Commons if it considered that this law infringed on the interests of the nobility.

UK House of Commons

Currently, the Lords can only delay such laws by between one month and a year. The duties of members of the House of Lords also include the consideration of judicial appeals.

A seat in the House of Lords is hereditary (except for representatives of the church, where members of the House of Lords are appointed by the Council of Bishops), and it is one of the most archaic bodies of government in Europe. Members of the House of Lords, unlike the House of Commons, do not receive a permanent salary for attending meetings and are not required to attend every meeting.

UK House of Lords

UK Parliament

The Commons and the House of Lords are collectively called the Parliament of Great Britain. If necessary, the monarch can dissolve parliament and announce early elections, or, conversely, extend its powers.

Cabinet of Ministers

The Cabinet of Ministers is the highest governing body of the country. Cabinet members head various government structures (departments or ministries). Ministers are appointed from among the representatives of Parliament, their responsibilities include the leadership of ministries, as well as consultations with the monarch on important decisions. The UK Cabinet reports to Parliament.

UK Cabinet Office, 2012

Prime Minister of Great Britain

The Prime Minister of Great Britain is the main official in the country after the monarch. He heads the government and can act on behalf of the monarch in certain matters. The candidacy for the post of prime minister is approved by the king or queen from among the most influential members of Parliament.

Kings and Queens of Great Britain

Great Britain is one of the oldest monarchies in the world. The highest head in the country is the monarch (king or queen), the throne is passed on by majority inheritance (that is, the eldest in the family).

Throne Room of Buckingham Palace in the UK

Despite the fact that outwardly members of the British royal house perform purely representative and ceremonial functions, the monarch in Great Britain has very real power.

The King or Queen of Great Britain can dissolve the government, grant the title of Lord to non-noble citizens to enter the House of Lords, approve bills, appoint ministers and pardon criminals.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain on the throne

UK Conservative Party

The Conservative Party of Great Britain (Tory Party) is the oldest political party in Europe, which dates back to the 17th century. The party traditionally represents the interests of the nobility, clergy and bourgeoisie.

Historically, it is the most powerful political force in the kingdom, consistently holding the majority of seats in Parliament. The most prominent prime ministers in recent British history belonged to the Conservatives: Neville Chamberlain, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron.

The current British Prime Minister Theresa May is also a member of the Conservative Party.

Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister during World War II

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain is one of the oldest reigning monarchs in the world. She took the throne from her father George VI in 1952 and has been in power for more than 60 years (Elizabeth II turned 90 in 2016). According to most Britons, Elizabeth is an example of an impeccable ruler who has not tarnished her royal title in any way.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain

Despite belonging to the weaker sex, Elizabeth II is famous for her iron character, and will give odds to many men. Some interesting facts from her biography:

At the age of 18, Elizabeth persuaded her father to let her join the active army and in 1944 she took a driver-mechanics course, after which she entered military service in the women's self-defense unit and served for about six months until the end of World War II. She is the only lady in the royal family who took part in military operations.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain as a child

Elizabeth fell in love with her future husband, Prince Philip, as a child. Philip is the heir to the impoverished Greek monarchy, whose representatives were forced to flee their own country after being exiled. Philip's candidacy did not suit Elizabeth's parents and the ruling elite of Great Britain at all, but the princess managed to obtain consent to the marriage. Moreover, she herself offered him her hand and heart, without waiting for reciprocal signs of attention.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain with her future husband Prince Philip

Elizabeth bought the fabric for her wedding dress using discount coupon cards. In 1947, the British economy had not yet recovered from the war, and Elizabeth considered it indecent to spend the kingdom’s treasury on lavish celebrations.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain after her coronation

Even at 90 years old, Elizabeth still personally conducts all the most important meetings in the state and, as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, inspects all military installations of the kingdom. She does not trust the heir apparent, Prince Charles, with any of these issues.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain with her son

The queen's steely character does not prevent her from having small human weaknesses.

Elizabeth II is considered a trendsetter and a big fan of hats. She wears bright colors regardless of her age, but never goes beyond the boundaries of strict classics.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and one of her hats

According to protocol, the Queen cannot appear at official events in the same outfit twice. Each of her clothes is entered into a huge catalog, has its own serial number and is accompanied by a record of where, when and under what circumstances she wore it - this allows her to avoid repetition and embarrassment.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and her outfits

The Queen is obliged to be the standard of politeness, but the number of meetings and audiences is so great that it takes too much energy. Elizabeth II has several secret signs by which the courtiers must understand that it is time to end the event. For example, if Elizabeth is spinning a ring on her finger, the conversation must be ended within the next 5 minutes.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and her handbag

In her busy schedule, Elizabeth II makes sure to set aside time to watch her favorite series and television shows. It is known that she is a fan of the English version of “X-Factor”, as well as several TV series, including “Game of Thrones”.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. Something went wrong.

Once a year, Elizabeth takes a long vacation and retires to a castle in Scotland, where she spends most of her time reading books and walking. There, Elizabeth takes a warm bath for several hours every day, in which, according to the assurances of the courtiers, she cannot do without a small rubber duck, given to her as a child.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain on vacation

Other representatives of the British royal house

Elizabeth II belongs to the royal branch of the Windsors, of which there are quite a lot of descendants in modern Britain. The British are very sensitive to the institution of the monarchy; among the members of the royal family they have their favorites and scandalous persons, whose name is well known to everyone.

Members of the British Royal Family

Princess Diana

Diana Spencer (or Lady Di) is consistently ranked in the TOP 10 greatest Britons according to national polls. The first wife of Prince Charles (son of Elizabeth II) won the true, sincere love of her subjects and millions of people around the world.

She is often called the “Queen of Hearts” for her many contributions to charity, as well as her boundless personal charm, modesty and simplicity.

Princess Diana with her sons

According to rumors, Elizabeth II very much disliked her daughter-in-law for her popularity among the people (at times she overshadowed the queen herself).

In 1997, Lady Di suddenly died in a car accident, which still causes a lot of rumors and suspicions: there is a version that the accident was staged by members of the ruling family. But even after her death, Princess Diana remains the queen of people's hearts.

Princess Diana (Lady Di)

Prince William and Kate Middleton

Prince William is the grandson of Elizabeth II, the son of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. William inherited many traits from his mother (he is also charming, does a lot of charity work), and in terms of the degree of adoration of his loyal subjects, he has recently rapidly overtaken his grandmother. He serves as a helicopter pilot for the English Medical Service and takes part in rescue operations.

Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton comes from a simple family. She met her future husband, Prince William, while studying at university. Shy Kate's demeanor very much reminds the British of Diana. They are delighted with her attitude towards children and impeccable manners, but most of all the audience is touched by the romantic story of Kate and William, which is very reminiscent of the fairy tale about Cinderella.

William and Kate with children

Prince Harry

The youngest son of Diana and Prince Charles evokes mixed feelings among the British. On the one hand, he is not distinguished by impeccable behavior, but on the other hand, he is such a sweetheart that British citizens forgive him everything. In addition, his antics are caused more by curiosity and youthful carelessness than by a spoiled disposition.

Prince Harry

The most notorious “exploits” of Prince Harry: boundless amorousness (photos of Harry with cute young ladies regularly appear in the press), hussar antics and cheerful parties. But there are also serious achievements: Prince Harry took part in combat operations in Afghanistan as an ordinary pilot, and put his life in danger along with others without any concessions.

Prince Harry with his partner while serving in Afghanistan

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

Sisters Beatrice and Eugenie are granddaughters of Queen Elizabeth II, daughters of her second son, Prince Andrew. Unlike William and Harry, girls cannot boast of an ideal reputation in the eyes of others, or at least relative charm.

Princess Beatrice

The eldest Beatrice is often criticized by residents of Great Britain for her too extravagant outfits, which do not always comply with the protocol. She also gets punished for being too curvaceous and having an idle lifestyle (in Great Britain, belonging to the royal house does not at all mean the right to idleness). Otherwise, Beatrice manages to stay within the bounds of decency.

Princess Eugenie

The youngest Evgenia is a real headache for her family. The girl regularly excites the British public with her antics and the next batch of paparazzi photographs: drunken dancing, cigarettes and indecent antics - this is the main thing that Evgenia is famous for.

Video. Interesting facts about Great Britain