The United Kingdom consists of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. London is the capital of the UK. It is a constitutional monarchy led by Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. Though the Queen reigns, she does not rule - the country is governed by an elected parliament and prime minister. Some of the UK's most famous places include universities in Oxford and Cambridge, Shakespeare's birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, and landmarks like Stonehenge and the Tower of London.

2. The United Kingdom is
situated on the British
Isles. The UK consists of
four countries: England,
Wales, Scotland and
Northern Ireland. The
capitals are London,
Cardiff, Edinburgh and
Belfast. The capital of
the UK is London.

3. The UK is a constitutional
monarchy. The head of the State
is Queen Elisabeth II. In practice
Queen reigns, but does not rule.
The country is ruled by the
elected government with the
Prime Minister at the head. The
British Parliament consists of
two Chambers: the House of
Lords and the House of
Commons. There are three main
political parties in Great Britain:
The Labour, the Conservative
and the Liberal parties. The Queen Elisabeth II

4.  Great Britain is rich in world-famous places. Certainly
among them there are famous university cities Oxford and
Cambridge, Shakespeare`s birthplace – Stratford-upon-
Avon, town of Cardiff, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
 The Royal Shakespeare Theatre was opened in Stratford in
1932. Only Shakespeare`s plays are performed here.
 Those who come to Oxford certainly are interested in its
university most of all. It was founded in the 12th century.
 Cardiff is the capital of Wales and its chief port. Cardiff is
also a tourist centre.
 There is a prehistoric monument in Great Britain which is
as interesting to the tourists as the Egyptian pyramids. This
is a Stonehenge. Stonehenge was built in order to calculate
the annual calendar and seasons.

5.  The Tower of London is the London`s oldest building.
Since William the Conqueror built it in the 11th century,
this castle has been a Royal palace, a prison, a place of
execution, a zoo, the Royal Mint, and an observatory.
Today it`s a museum and houses the Crown Jewels.
 The famous Waxworks Madame Tussaunds Museum
has the models of famous people from pop stars to
prime ministers, displays of battles and a Chamber of
Horror.

6. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre The Stonehenge
The Tower of London

7.  Every nation and every country has its own customs and
traditions. In Britain traditions play a more important
part in the life of the people than in other countries.
Englishmen are proud of their traditions and carefully
keep them up.
 To this day an English family prefers a house with a
garden to a flat in a modern house with central heating.
English people like gardens.
 Holidays are especially rich in old traditions and are
different in Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England.
 Tourists visiting London are usually eager to see
Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the
Queen and the King. The house was bought by George III
from the Duke of Buckingham, from whom it takes the
name. Queen Victoria was the first to make the Palace
the official residence of the Sovereign. The colourful
ceremony of the Changing of the Guard before the
Palace is of great interest for visitors. The Guardsmen in
their red coats and bearskin caps march behind the
Drum Major and the Band.