Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom located in Northern Europe. It has a population of around 5.52 million people and its capital and largest city is Edinburgh. Some key facts are that the main languages are English, Gaelic and Scots, the main religions are forms of Christianity, and the monetary unit is the British Pound. Scotland has a long history and was once an independent kingdom. Issues like Scottish independence from the UK and climate change are ongoing topics of discussion. The economy relies on sectors like energy, finance and tourism. Traditional Scottish clothing, food and sports are an important part of Scottish culture and identity.

1. SCOTLAND
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2. Country Map

3. Country quick facts
Full name: Part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland
Population: Around 5.52 million
Capital: Edinburgh
Most populous city: Glasgow
Major languages: English, Gaelic, Scots
Major religions: Church of Scotland and other Christian faiths
Life expectancy: Male: 77.1 years , Female: 81.1 years
Monetary unit: Pound sterling
GDP per capita: £30,793 (about $42,182)

4. Historical events
• In Prehistoric Times, the Celts began to settle in the area that would
become Scotland.
• 1296: Edward I of England invades Scotland, but fails to completely defeat
the Scots.
• 1603: James VI of Scotland becomes king of England after the death of
Elizabeth I, uniting the kingdoms.
• 1746: Supporters of James VI’s family claim to the throne are defeated at
Culloden.
• 1838: Queen Victoria is crowned.

5. Famous sites
Edinburgh Castle Loch Ness
St Andrews

6. Gaelic Language
● Hello: Halò
● Bye: Beannachd leat
● THANK YOU: Tapadh leat
● YOU’RE WELCOME: 'S e do bheatha
● SORRY: Gabh mo leisgeul!
● I LOVE YOU: Tha gaol agam ort
● HOW ARE YOU: Ciamar a tha thu?

7. Government
● Leaders: Prime Minister (of the UK)- Rishi Sunak and
● First Minister of Scotland- Humza Yousaf
● Government: Constitutional monarchy
● King Charles III currently reigns, but nearly all governmental power rests in the
hands of the parliament and prime minister

8. Key issue
● Scottish Independence - In the fall of 2014, the people
of Scotland voted on a Referendum that would declare
them an independent and sovereign nation separate
from the United Kingdom. By a narrow margin, they
chose to remain a part of the United Kingdom, but the
issue, which has been a central issue in Scottish
politics since the formation of the UK, is far from wholly
resolved.

9. Major Issues on Scotland’s agenda
● Climate emergency
● COVID-19 pandemic
● Child poverty
● A quarter (24%) of children in Scotland were in
relative poverty
● Violence against women and girls
● Long standing issue in the society
● Brexit

10. Scottish Economy
● Open and mixed economy
● Exports: textiles, whisky, shortbread,
transportation, technology, banking, and
insurance
● Imports: gas, oil, organic chemicals, road
vehicles

11. Traditional Scottish clothing

12. Scottish holidays and festivals
● St. Andrews Day: On November 30 Scots celebrate the feast day of their
patron saint.
● Burns Night: The birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns is celebrated on
January 25 with feasts featuring traditional foods and readings of his
poetry.
● Braemar Gathering: The major festival for the Highland Games at which
ancient Scots compete in ancient challenges like the caber toss and
hammer throw or enjoy Highland dancing and music.
● Guy Fawkes Night (Bonfire Night): Across the UK on November 5, Britons
burn effigies or models of the traitor Guy Fawkes who tried to blow up the
British parliament building in 1605.

14. Sports in Scotland
● Most Popular Sport:
● Football (Soccer)
● Traditional Sports:
● Golf
● Tennis
● Rugby
● Highland Games

15. Food
● Breakfast:
● Porridge, Kippers, or a full Scottish Breakfast (sausage, bacon, a potato scone, eggs,
fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, buttered toast, baked beans, and black pudding)
● Meat Dishes:
● Black Pudding- a sausage filled with blood and grain
● Haggis- similar to black pudding but made from the internal organs of sheep, pig, or
cow and traditionally cooked in a sheep’s stomach
● Stovies- a meat or poultry stew
● Sweets and Desserts:
● Shortbread- divine crumbly buttery cookies (or biscuits as Britons call them)
● Cranachan- whipped cream, raspberries, toasted oats, and honey
● Tablet- a sweet made from butter, condensed milk, and sugar similar to fudge