The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated on the British Isles. The British Isles consist of two large islands, Great Britain and Ireland, and about five thousand small islands. The population of the UK is over 57 million. About 80 percent of the population is urban.

The United Kingdom is made up of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The capital of the UK is London.

The British Isles are separated from the Continent by the North Sea, the English Channel and the Strait of Dover. The western coast of Great Britain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea.

The surface of the British Isles varies very much. The north of Scotland is mountainous and is called Highlands. The south, which has beautiful valleys and plains, is called Lowlands. There are a lot of rivers in Great Britain, but they are not very long. The Severn is the longest river, while the Thames is the deepest and the most important one. The mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream influence the climate of the British Isles. It is mild all year round.

The UK is a highly developed industrial country. It produces and exports machinery, electronics, textiles. One of the major industries of the country is shipbuilding.

The UK is a constitutuional monarchy with a parliament and the Queen as the Head of State.

Notes to the Text

urban – городской

to be separated from – отделяться от…

plain – равнина

to influence – оказывать влияние

industry – отрасль промышленности

LONDON

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, its economic, political and cultural center. It is one of the world’s major cities. The population of Greater London is about 11 million people.

London has a long history. It originated about 2 thousand years ago as a small Roman town on the north bank of the Thames. Some of its ancient buildings still exist.

The vast urban territory of Greater London is divided into 32 London boroughs in addition to the ancient City of London. The West End is London's main entertainment and shopping district attracting tourists. The East End is the area closest to the original Port of London, known for its high immigrant population, as well as for being one of the poorest areas in London.

London's largest industry is finance, Around 325,000 people are employed in financial services in London. London has over 480 overseas banks, more than any other city in the world. More than half of the UK's top companies and over 20 per cent of Europe's largest companies are headquartered in Central London. The City of London is home to the Bank of England, London Stock Exchange, and Lloyds of London insurance market. Along with professional services, media companies are concentrated in London

London is one of the world's leading tourism destinations, offering an array of famous tourist attractions. London attracts almost 15 million international visitors per year, making it the world's most visited in terms of international visits. Visitors usually want to see The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St.Paul’s Cathedral. London is also noted for its museums, art galleries, theatres and parks.

Notes to the Text

major – главный

originate – происходить, быть основанным

be employed – работать

headquarter – центр, управление

destination – направление