The document provides information about the United Kingdom, including its location in Western Europe, government and politics, population, climate, constituent countries, culture, education system, transportation, literature, theater, architecture, sports, traditional dress, cuisine, drinks, and festivals. The UK has a population of over 63 million, with England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as constituent countries. British culture is characterized by traditions such as afternoon tea, fish and chips, the full English breakfast, and celebrating festivals throughout the year.

2. INFORMATION
• LOCATION : WEST EUROPE
• CAPITAL : LONDON
• AREA : 243,610 sq. Km
• LANGUAGE : ENGLISH
• MAIN RELIGION : CHRISTIANITY
• CURRENCY : POUND STERLING
• LITERACY RATE : 99%
• LIFE EXPECTANCY : 80.2 YEARS
• TIME ZONE : 0
• TYPE OF GOVT. : CONTITUTIONAL MONARCHY &
PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACy
• HEAD OF STATE : QUEEN ELIZABETH 2
• HEAD OF GOVT. : PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON
• GDP PER CAPITA : $ 35,900
• POPULATION : 63,047,162
• ISD CODE : 44
• INTERENET TLD : .uk

3. CLIMATE
Climate: temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the
North Atlantic Current; more than one-half of the days are overcast

4. THE UNITED
KINGDOM
The United Kingdom is
comprised of four countries:
England, Scotland, Wales, and
Northern Ireland.
The terms 'English' and 'British'
do not mean the same thing.
'British' denotes someone who
is from England, Scotland,
Wales or Northern Ireland.
'English' refers to people from
England. People from Scotland
are 'Scots', from Wales ‘Welsh’
and from Northern Ireland
‘Irish’. Be sure not to call
someone Welsh, Scots, or
Northern Irish ‘English’.

5. THE CLASS SYSTEM
• Although in the past few decades, people from varied
backgrounds have had greater access to higher
education, wealth distribution is changing and more
upward/downward mobility is occurring, the British
class system is still very much intact although in a more
subconscious way. The playing field is levelling but the
British still seem to pigeon-hole people according to
class.
Class is no longer simply about wealth or where one
lives; the British are able to suss out someone’s class
through a number of complex variables including
demeanour, accent, manners and comportment.

6. THE BUSINESS CULTURE
Business culture in the UK is characterised by business communication, business
etiquette, business meeting etiquette, internship and student placements, cost of
living, work-life-balance and social media guide.

7. EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS
• The UK’s Higher Education System is one of the most developed
in the world with some of the leading universities educating
business leaders in Business and Management Schools. Due to
the highly developed private school education system,
comparisons between schools are usually made, especially as to
whether someone went to a private or public school (fee paying)
or a State school (free of charge). These decisions are made by
parents, and in the majority of cases are based on financial
factors (private education in elite schools such as Eton, Harrow
and Marlborough is very expensive), and often shape the destiny
of their pupils. Overall, quality indicators of the educational
system, in reading literacy, maths and science, as part of the
Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), are
currently slightly above the OECD average.

8. TRANSPORTATION
• Travelling By Public Transport
Major cities in the UK have an integrated transport system
combining a rail network, tram or metro system with buses
and taxis. Outlying and rural areas are predominantly served
by bus services, where frequency and reliability often depend
on the profitability of an individual route.

9. • Travelling By Train
The UK has a comprehensive national rail network, which is privatised and
different routes are operated by a number of private companies. It is normal for
tickets for intercity routes to be purchased in advance for specific journey times,
often with reserved seating. Tickets for short journeys using a regional network are
typically purchased as Day Returns at the time of travel and are available from
machines or ticket offices at the departure station or from a conductor on board
the train.

10. • Travelling by Taxi
The traditional British taxi is also referred to as a hackney carriage, London
Taxi or Black Cab. These are different from private hire vehicles, also referred
to as minicabs or private hire, which are licensed to carry people. Hackney
carriages have special dispensation to be able to be hailed on the street or
hired from a taxi rank. However, minicabs may not be hailed on the street and
some can only be used if pre-booked. A tip of 10% is normally given on top of
the fare.

11. LITERATURE
At its formation, the United Kingdom inherited the literary traditions of England, Scotland and
Wales, including the earliest existing native literature written in the Celtic languages, Old English
literature and more recent English literature including the works of Geoffrey Chaucer ,William
Shakespeare and John Milton.

12. THEATRE
From its formation in 1707, the United Kingdom has had a vibrant tradition of theatre, much of
it inherited from England and Scotland. The West End is the main theatre district in the UK,
which is located in the West End of London.The West End's Theatre Royal in Covent Garden in
the City of Westminster dates back to the mid 17th century, making it the oldest London
theatre.

13. ARCHITECTURE
ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
The architecture of the United
Kingdom includes many features that
precede the creation of the United
Kingdom in 1707, from as early as Skara
Brae and Stonehenge to the Giant's
Ring, Avebury and Roman ruins. In most
towns and villages the parish church is an
indication of the age of the settlement.
Many castles remain from
the medieval period such as; Windsor
Castle (longest-occupied castle in
Europe),]Stirling Castle (one of the largest
and most important in Scotland), Bodiam
Castle (moated castle), and Warwick
Castle. Over the two centuries following
the Norman conquest of England of 1066,
and the building of the Tower of London,
castles such as Caernarfon Castle in Wales
and Carrickfergus Castle in Ireland were
built.

14. SPORTS WEMBLEY STADIUM,LONDON
Most of the major sports have separate
administrative structures and national
teams for each of the countries of the
United Kingdom. Though each country
is also represented individually at the
Commonwealth Games, there is a
single 'Team GB’ (for Great Britain) that
represents the UK at the Olympic
Games. With the rules and codes of
many modern sports invented and
codified in late 19th century Victorian
Britain, in 2012, IOC President Jacques
Rogge stated; "This great, sports-loving
country is widely recognized as the
birthplace of modern sport. It was here
that the concepts of sportsmanship and
fair play were first codified into clear
rules and regulations. It was here that
sport was included as an educational
tool in the school curriculum".

15. NATIONAL COSTUME AND DRESS
As a multi-national state,[the UK has no single national costume. However, different countries within the United Kingdom
have national costumes or at least are associated with styles of dress. Scotland has the kilt and Tam o'shanter,
and tartan clothing – pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours – is a notable
aspect of Gaelic culture. A traditional Welsh costume with Welsh hat is worn by some women during Eisteddfodau. In
England certain military uniforms such as the Beefeater or the Queen's Guard are considered to be symbolic of Englishness,
though they are not official national costumes. Morris dancers or the costumes for the traditional English May dance are
sometimes cited as examples of traditional English costume, but are only worn by participants in those events.

16. FOOD IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
British cuisine is the specific set of cooking traditions and practices
associated with the United Kingdom. Historically, British cuisine
means "unfussy dishes made with quality local ingredients,
matched with simple sauces to accentuate flavour, rather than
disguise it."British cuisine has traditionally been limited in its
international recognition to the full breakfast and the Christmas
dinner. However, Celtic agriculture and animal breeding produced a
wide variety of foodstuffs for indigenous Celts. Anglo-Saxon
England developed meat and savoury herb stewing techniques
before the practice became common in Europe. The Norman
conquest introduced exotic spices into Great Britain in the Middle
Ages.] The British Empire facilitated a knowledge of India's
elaborate food tradition of "strong, penetrating spices and herbs"

17. Each country within the United Kingdom has its own specialities. Traditional examples
of English cuisine include the Sunday roast; featuring a roasted joint, usually
beef, lamb or chicken, served with assorted boiled vegetables, Yorkshire
pudding and gravy.Other prominent meals include fish and chips and the full English
breakfast—consisting of bacon, grilled tomatoes, fried bread ,black pudding, baked
beans, fried mushrooms, sausages and eggs. The first chips fried in Britain were
at Oldham's Tommyfield Market in 1860, and on the site a blue plaque marks the
origin of the fish and chip shop and fast food industries in Britain. Various meat
pies are consumed such as steak and kidney pie, shepherd's pie, cottage pie, Cornish
pastry and pork pie, the later of which is consumed cold.

18. DRINKS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
• The most popular drink in England is undoubtedly tea, and
you can't leave the British Isles without experiencing the
genuine five o'clock. Most of the traditional English drinks
however are alcoholic; starting with apple cider, which
contains only a little bit of alcohol, to all the kinds of beer
produced in the country. The most famous English beers
are ale, cask ale (unfiltered and unpasteurised)
and stout or porter beer. A visit to a pub and a pint of beer
is an absolute must when visiting England. If you'd rather
drink something stronger, you can order a glass of grog, a
beer cocktail such as Black Velvet or Freddie Batholomew,
or a glass of Cup, a traditional British punch.

19. FESTIVALS IN THE
UNITED KINGDOM
31st – Chinese New Year.
Outside Asia, the world’s
biggest celebration of Chinese
New Year is in London – there
is a parade
through Chinatown in the West
End, with music, acrobatics and
dance performances, a feast of
food and fireworks – but there
are many more events around
the UK. Cities
including Manchester, Nottingh
am, Liverpool and Birmingham
usually host big street parties.

20. WILLIAM
SHAKESPEARE’S
BIRTHDAY
April 23 is also known
as William Shakespeare’s
birthday, when events take
place to honour the playwright.
The best place to experience
Shakespeare Day is in his
hometown, Stratford-upon-
Avon, Warwickshire, where a
festival will be held over the
weekend (April 26 and 27,
2014). You can expect some big
celebrations in 2014 – it will be
Shakespeare’s 450th birthday.

21. BELTANE
1st – Beltane. Beltane (or Beltain) is the Celtic festival of fire, which celebrates fertility and marks the start of
summer. With its roots in ancient Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man, modern versions of the event are
becoming more popular – some of the largest are in Edinburgh, Thornborough in Yorkshire andButser
Ancient Farm in Hampshire, where the traditional 30-foot Wicker Man is burned at sunset.

22. EISTEDDFOD
1st–9th – Eisteddfod. The National Eisteddfod is Wales’ biggest artistic event and one of
Europe's oldest cultural festivals. This is a chance to hear Welsh music and literature,
as well as see dance and theatre performances, shop for books and crafts, and much
more.

23. NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
25th – Notting Hill Carnival. Held in west London over a bank holiday weekend, Notting Hill Carnival is
Europe’s biggest street festival. Around 1 million people go to see colourful floats and dancers in flamboyant
costumes, hear music from salsa to reggae, and taste Caribbean food from street stalls. Bring your party
spirit, enough cash and a lot of patience – it can be very crowded.

24. REMEMBRANCE DAY
11th – Remembrance Day. Every year, November 11 is a memorial day to honour members of
the armed forces – the aim is to remember those who lost their lives in battle, so many peace
campaigners also support the event. The symbol of Remembrance Day is a poppy, and each year
the Royal British Legion charity sells paper poppies to raise funds for veterans and their families.
It is customary to observe a two-minute silence at 11am.

25. BEST TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THE
UNITED KINGDOM

26. SHAKESPEAR’S BIRTHPLACE
• Shakespeare's Birthplace is a fascinating house that offers a tantalising glimpse
into Shakespeare's early world. It's a special place that everyone should see at
least once in their lifetime.

27. CADBURY WORLD
• Cadbury World is a one-way self-guided tour.
• Cadbury World opened on 14 August 1990, on Cadbury's Bournville manufacturing site, and has expanded
and developed its content through 'continuous improvement'.
• Cadbury World has gone on to become one of Birmingham's largest leisure attractions - welcoming over
500,000 visitors each year, and delivering a respected education programme (linking back directly to the
educational advancements and interests of the company's original founding fathers).
• Whilst not a factory tour, Cadbury World offers its visitors the opportunity to explore and discover
chocolate's history, to learn about the origins and story of the Cadbury business - one of the world's
largest confectionery manufacturers.

28. DARTMOUTH CASTLE
• One of the most beautifully located fortresses in England. For over 600 years
Dartmouth Castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the
busy, vibrant port of Dartmouth. It offers stunning views of the estuary and out to
sea and offers a great family day out, whatever the weather.

29. THE EDEN PROJECT
• Dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World by some, the Eden Project is a
dramatic global garden housed in tropical biomes that nestle in a crater
the size of 30 football pitches.

30. EDF ENERGY LONDON EYE
• The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River
Thames in London. Also known as the Millennium Wheel, its official name was
originally the British Airways London Eye, then the Merlin Entertainments London
Eye, and since January 2011, the EDF Energy London Eye.

31. LONDON EYE CRUISE
• Escape the crowds and discover London from the river Thames on a relaxing river cruise.
• With its rich history and iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament and Tower
Bridge, it’s a great way to see London from a different perspective.

32. WINDSOR CASTLE
Windsor Castle is situated above the River Thames on a hill and has a royal history that dates back over 900 years.
Monarchs have continuously made Windsor Castle their home right back to William the Conqueror up to the present day
with Queen Elizabeth II. At Windsor Castle, the largest continuously occupied castle in the world, you will be able to view
the famous Queen Marys Doll House, the state apartments, view the royal collections, and St. George's Chapel. Windsor is
also famous for its traditional shops, market and pubs. If you do not wish to visit the castle Eton College is just a walk away
across the bridge, which has had many famous students including Prince William, Prince Harry and many others including
David Cameron. You can also wander around the town, view the castle from the outside and take the leisurely river cruise.

33. HARRY POTTER WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR
Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour, the most successful film series of all time and
has been enchanting people for over a decade. Now you can see where it all began
and how it all happened. Here you will discover the magic behind spellbinding special
effects and the tour will takes you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films.

34. LIVING COAST
Living Coasts is an innovative coastal zoo and discovery centre where
you can take a journey around the coasts of the world and see amazing
animals and plants in specially-designed naturalistic habitats.

35. MADAME TUSSAUDS LONDON
Madame Tussauds is a museum that contains wax models of famous people. There are
numerous galleries such as Pirates of the Caribbean, World leaders, Warhol's women The Royal
Family, Sports Stars, the Culture zone and the History of London.

36. THE NATIONAL GALLERY
The National Gallery in London is home to one of the greatest collections of western European painting in
the world. More than 2300 paintings embrace the years between 1250 and 1900. The entire collection is on
display in four wings on the main floor where they are arranged by period: 1250-1500, 1500-1600, 1600-
1700, and 1700-1900. In addition paintings are displayed on a lower floor. To help the visitor manage the
large number of paintings and galleries, various trails and audio guides are provided.

37. THE 02 ARENA
A world class entertainment venue under one iconic roof that’s split into 5 areas; The O2 arena,
indigO2, the British Music Experience, Live Quarter & London Piazza. Within you’ll find the best
in live entertainment, from music & comedy, to family shows & sports for a diverse day out with
the kids, family or friends. The O2 also hosts shows outside the tent in Meridian Gardens & the
uniquely designed Peninsular Square.

38. SCOTNEY CASTLE
Scotney Castle is an English country house with formal gardens south-east of Lamberhurst in the valley of the River Bewl in
Kent, England. It belongs to the National Trust.

39. THE OXFORD UNIVERSITY
This tour will have you visiting Britain's most famous universities,
acknowledged worldwide for its infamous standards set for their students and
for the exceptional skill level which their students leave with when they
graduate. During your tour in oxford you will generally gravitate to the
universities and spend the majority of our time around the universities.

40. BIG BEN
At the Houses of Parliament, London. A famous landmark. The clock tower was
completed in 1859. The clock mechanism weighs 5 tons, and the dials are 23-ft (7m) in
diameter.

41. THE STONEHEDGE
The most famous prehistoric monument in the world and a World Heritage site dated back to
nearly 5,000 years ago. This monument has remained a mystery since its construction thousands
of years ago.To this day we are not sure how Stonehenge was built or what it was used for. It
could be a temple of the Druids of Celtic religion, a cemetery from the Bronze Age, an
observatory of the moon or even an astronomical clock.

42. BLENHEIM
PALACE
Blenheim Palace Famous as
the birthplace of Sir
Winston Churchill, it
houses an exhibition on his
life. The home was built
between 1705-1722 in the
baroque style. There’s a
Great Hall, staterooms,
Long Library, and a
collection of paintings,
furniture, and tapestries.
Extensive grounds
landscaped by ‘Capability’
Brown. Restaurants,
cafeterias.

43. THE BATH TOUR
On arrival at Bath, you will be enthrauled by two eras in England's past, the Roman and
Georgian periods.
Here you will be able to see the Roman Baths with their natural hot springs, the Pump House,
Abbey and beautiful Pulteney Bridge. Today Bath is a thriving city, and a haven for shoppers,
with shops ranging from Antique shops to designer shops. Other places of interest are the Jane
Austin Center and the elegant Assembly Rooms built in 1771.

44. BUCKINGHAM
PALACE
Buckingham Palace is
the London residence
and principal
workplace of the
monarchy of the
United Kingdom.
Located in the City of
Westminster, the
palace is often at the
centre of state
occasions and royal
hospitality.

45. YORK MINISTER
York Minster is a cathedral in York, England, and is one of the
largest of its kind in Northern Europe.

46. THE CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL
A Cathedral inspired by English Gothic architecture, Canterbury Cathedral is a big attraction. The wealth of
Canterbury Cathedral was bought in by the visiting pilgrims, who were made famous by Chaucer in his book
Canterbury Tales. The Cathedral still dominates the sky line of Canterbury today. Medieval pilgrims used to visit
Canterbury to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket, The Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in the cathedral
in 1170 and historians still debate the involvement of Henry II. There are many tombs of famous people that you
will be able to see such as Henry IV and The Black Prince (Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales). Step back in
history as you walk around the Cathedral.

47. UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
The University of Cambridge (informally known as "Cambridge University" or simply "Cambridge";
abbreviated as"Cantab" in post-nominals) is a collegiate public research university in Cambridge, England.
Founded in 1209, Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the
world's third-oldest surviving university. It grew out of an association formed by scholars leaving
the University of Oxford after a dispute with townsfolk; the two "ancient universities" have many common
features and are often jointly referred to as "Oxbridge".