England
General information
England, predominant constituent unit of the United Kingdom, is occupying more than half of the island of Great Britain.
Population
England currently has a population of 56,489,800
Religion:
· 46.3% - Christianity
· 36.7% - No religion
· 6.7% - Islam
· 6.0% - Not stated
· 3,8% - Other
The national language spoken in England is English.
England, predominant constituent unit of the United Kingdom, is occupying more than half of the island of Great Britain.
Population
England currently has a population of 56,489,800
Religion:
· 46.3% - Christianity
· 36.7% - No religion
· 6.7% - Islam
· 6.0% - Not stated
· 3,8% - Other
The national language spoken in England is English.
Capital
London is the capital of the England. It is among the oldest of the world’s great cities—its history spanning nearly two millennia—and one of the most cosmopolitan. By far Britain’s largest metropolis, it is also the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural centre.
Indeed, London’s defining characteristic is an absence of overall form. It is physically a polycentric city, with many core districts and no clear hierarchy among them. London has at least two (and sometimes many more) of everything: cities, mayors, dioceses, cathedrals, chambers of commerce, police forces, opera houses, orchestras, and universities. In every aspect it functions as a compound or confederal metropolis.
London is the capital of the England. It is among the oldest of the world’s great cities—its history spanning nearly two millennia—and one of the most cosmopolitan. By far Britain’s largest metropolis, it is also the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural centre.
Indeed, London’s defining characteristic is an absence of overall form. It is physically a polycentric city, with many core districts and no clear hierarchy among them. London has at least two (and sometimes many more) of everything: cities, mayors, dioceses, cathedrals, chambers of commerce, police forces, opera houses, orchestras, and universities. In every aspect it functions as a compound or confederal metropolis.
National symbols
Thenational flag of England, known as St George's Cross, has been England's national flag since the 13th century. Originally the flag was used by the maritime state the Republic of Genoa. The English monarch paid a tribute to the Doge of Genoa from 1190 onwards, so that English ships could fly the flag as a means of protection when entering the Mediterranean. A red cross acted as a symbol for many Crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries. It became associated with Saint George, along with countries and cities, which claimed him as their patron saint and used his cross as a banner. Since 1606 the St George's Cross has formed part of the design of the Union Flag, a Pan-British flag designed by King James.
Thenational flag of England, known as St George's Cross, has been England's national flag since the 13th century. Originally the flag was used by the maritime state the Republic of Genoa. The English monarch paid a tribute to the Doge of Genoa from 1190 onwards, so that English ships could fly the flag as a means of protection when entering the Mediterranean. A red cross acted as a symbol for many Crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries. It became associated with Saint George, along with countries and cities, which claimed him as their patron saint and used his cross as a banner. Since 1606 the St George's Cross has formed part of the design of the Union Flag, a Pan-British flag designed by King James.
The Royal Banner of England (also known as the Banner of the Royal Arms, the Banner of the King) is the English banner of arms; it features the Royal Arms of England. This Royal Banner differs from England's national flag, St George's Cross, in that it does not represent any particular area or land, but rather symbolises the sovereignty vested in the rulers thereof.
The oak is the national tree of England, representing strength and endurance. The Royal Oak and Oak Apple Day commemorate the escape of King Charles II from the grasps of the Parliamentarians after the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
The rose is England's national flower. A Tudor rose is officially used, signifying the unification of the warring parties of the Wars of the Roses under the Tudor dynasty. The red rose representing The House of Lancaster, the White, the House of York. A red rose is often substituted, and is used, for instance, in the emblems of the English Golf Union and England national rugby union team.
The Barbary lion is anational animal of England. The population is currently extinct in the wild, having been made victim to the Holocene Extinction. In the Middle Ages, the lions kept in the menagerie at the Tower of London were Barbary lions. English medieval warrior rulers with a reputation for bravery attracted the nickname "the Lion": the most famous example is Richard I of England, known as Richard the Lionheart. Lions are frequently depicted in English heraldry, either as a device on shields themselves, or as supporters. They also appear in sculpture, and sites of national importance. The lion is used as a symbol of English sporting teams, such as the England national football team.
Saint George (280–303 AD): the patron saint of England.
National anthem
'God Save The King' was a patriotic song first publicly performed in London in 1745, which came to be known as the National Anthem at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
The words of the National Anthem are as follows:
God save our gracious King!
Long live our noble King!
God save the King!
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the King.
Thy choicest gifts in store
On him be pleased to pour,
Long may he reign.
May he defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the King.
'God Save The King' was a patriotic song first publicly performed in London in 1745, which came to be known as the National Anthem at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
The words of the National Anthem are as follows:
God save our gracious King!
Long live our noble King!
God save the King!
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the King.
Thy choicest gifts in store
On him be pleased to pour,
Long may he reign.
May he defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the King.
Government
England itself does not have a formal government or constitution, and a specifically English role in contemporary government and politics is hard to identify in any formal sense, for these operate on a nationwide British basis. Historically, the English may be credited with the evolution of Parliament, which, in its medieval form, was related to the Anglo-Saxon practice of regular gatherings of notables. The English may also be credited with the glory of the Revolution of 1688, which affirmed the rule of law, parliamentary control of taxation and of the army, freedom of speech, and religious toleration. Freedom of speech and opinion with proper opportunities for reasonable debate form part of the English tradition, but the development of party and parliamentary government in its modern forms took place after the Act of Union of 1707, when, in politics, the history of England became the history of Britain. Unlike Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, each of which has its own assembly or parliament, regional government does not exist in England.
England itself does not have a formal government or constitution, and a specifically English role in contemporary government and politics is hard to identify in any formal sense, for these operate on a nationwide British basis. Historically, the English may be credited with the evolution of Parliament, which, in its medieval form, was related to the Anglo-Saxon practice of regular gatherings of notables. The English may also be credited with the glory of the Revolution of 1688, which affirmed the rule of law, parliamentary control of taxation and of the army, freedom of speech, and religious toleration. Freedom of speech and opinion with proper opportunities for reasonable debate form part of the English tradition, but the development of party and parliamentary government in its modern forms took place after the Act of Union of 1707, when, in politics, the history of England became the history of Britain. Unlike Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, each of which has its own assembly or parliament, regional government does not exist in England.
The legal system is divided into civil and criminal courts. The House of Lords was the ultimate court of appeal for both civil and criminal cases brought through the High Court or the Court of Appeal until 2009, when that function was taken over by the newly established Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.
Nature and climate
The UK’s climate is maritime, moist and temperate, with a moderate annual temperature range. Average annual precipitation in the UK typically ranges from approximately 800 mm to 1,400 mm. The UK climate is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream/North Atlantic Drift which brings warm water into high northern latitudes. Prevailing winds are westerly, thus UK regional climates vary with distance from the Atlantic as well as topography. Continental influences are most strongly seen in the southeast of the country.
Winters in London are characterised by cold and often rainy weather. The average high between December and February is 48°F (9°C) and the average low is 41°F (5°C). However, freezing temperatures are not uncommon and snow is not unheard of. Be sure to pack a winter coat along with a hat, gloves and scarf.
The UK’s climate is maritime, moist and temperate, with a moderate annual temperature range. Average annual precipitation in the UK typically ranges from approximately 800 mm to 1,400 mm. The UK climate is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream/North Atlantic Drift which brings warm water into high northern latitudes. Prevailing winds are westerly, thus UK regional climates vary with distance from the Atlantic as well as topography. Continental influences are most strongly seen in the southeast of the country.
Winters in London are characterised by cold and often rainy weather. The average high between December and February is 48°F (9°C) and the average low is 41°F (5°C). However, freezing temperatures are not uncommon and snow is not unheard of. Be sure to pack a winter coat along with a hat, gloves and scarf.
On average, daily highs range from 53°F (12°C) to 64°F (18°C) with lows between 43°F (6°C) and 55°F (13°C). When packing for a trip to London in the spring, bring a warm jacket and some layers so you can easily adapt to the changing weather.
Summers in London are generally mild and pleasant, but not without occasional rain showers. Day are long with high temperatures around 70°F (21°C) to 73°F (23°C) degrees and lows around 59°F (15°C). While you can leave the winter wear at home, we recommend packing a light jacket or sweater for chilly summer evenings.
Warm summer weather usually lasts through September before the temperatures begin to drop sharply in October. Expect highs ranging from 68°F (20°C) down to 53°F (12°C), with lows around 50°F (10°C). Autumn is usually London’s rainiest season, so be prepared for wet weather!
Finding green spaces in London isn’t too hard. The capital is peppered with pretty parks, flower-filled gardens and walks that can make you feel a million miles from the city.
The Chilterns is an uncrowded and peaceful area of natural beauty, which inspired the likes of Roald Dahl, Oscar Wilde, and Agatha Christie.
High Weald is a charming medieval landscape with a lively events calendar.
Warm summer weather usually lasts through September before the temperatures begin to drop sharply in October. Expect highs ranging from 68°F (20°C) down to 53°F (12°C), with lows around 50°F (10°C). Autumn is usually London’s rainiest season, so be prepared for wet weather!
Finding green spaces in London isn’t too hard. The capital is peppered with pretty parks, flower-filled gardens and walks that can make you feel a million miles from the city.
The Chilterns is an uncrowded and peaceful area of natural beauty, which inspired the likes of Roald Dahl, Oscar Wilde, and Agatha Christie.
High Weald is a charming medieval landscape with a lively events calendar.
Surrey Hills are pretty patch of verdant countryside that’s surprisingly easy to reach from London.
Attractions
London is one of the world's most mesmerizing cities. Modern architectural marvels like the Shard line ancient laneways peppered with historic monuments, high-end shops, and award-winning theaters.
London is one of the world's most mesmerizing cities. Modern architectural marvels like the Shard line ancient laneways peppered with historic monuments, high-end shops, and award-winning theaters.
Buckingham Palace
One of Britain's most iconic buildings, Buckingham Palace is also the scene of London's most popular display of pomp and circumstance, the Changing of the Guard. Drawing crowds at 11:30am regardless of the season, this colorful and free display of precision marching and music also takes place at St. James's Palace, after which you can follow the band along The Mall as they march between sites.
One of Britain's most iconic buildings, Buckingham Palace is also the scene of London's most popular display of pomp and circumstance, the Changing of the Guard. Drawing crowds at 11:30am regardless of the season, this colorful and free display of precision marching and music also takes place at St. James's Palace, after which you can follow the band along The Mall as they march between sites.
Royal Jewels
From prison to palace, treasure vault to private zoo, the magnificent Tower of London has fulfilled many different roles over the centuries. One of Britain's most iconic structures, this spectacular World Heritage Site offers hours of fascination for visitors curious about the country's rich history - after all, so much of it happened here. Inside the massive White Tower, built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, is the 17th-century Line of Kings with its remarkable displays of royal armaments and armor.
From prison to palace, treasure vault to private zoo, the magnificent Tower of London has fulfilled many different roles over the centuries. One of Britain's most iconic structures, this spectacular World Heritage Site offers hours of fascination for visitors curious about the country's rich history - after all, so much of it happened here. Inside the massive White Tower, built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, is the 17th-century Line of Kings with its remarkable displays of royal armaments and armor.
British Museum
Displaying one of the world's finest collections of antiquities, the British Museum contains more than 13 million artifacts from the ancient world. With priceless objects from Assyria, Babylonia, China, Europe, and elsewhere, it's hard to know where to begin in this expansive attraction.
Displaying one of the world's finest collections of antiquities, the British Museum contains more than 13 million artifacts from the ancient world. With priceless objects from Assyria, Babylonia, China, Europe, and elsewhere, it's hard to know where to begin in this expansive attraction.
Big Ben
Nothing screams "London" more emphatically than the 318-foot tower housing the giant clock and its resounding bell known as Big Ben. It's as iconic a landmark as Tower Bridge, and the tolling of Big Ben is known throughout the world as the time signal of the BBC. Below it, stretching along the Thames, are the Houses of Parliament, seat of Britain's government for many centuries and once the site of the royal Westminster Palace occupied by William the Conqueror.
Nothing screams "London" more emphatically than the 318-foot tower housing the giant clock and its resounding bell known as Big Ben. It's as iconic a landmark as Tower Bridge, and the tolling of Big Ben is known throughout the world as the time signal of the BBC. Below it, stretching along the Thames, are the Houses of Parliament, seat of Britain's government for many centuries and once the site of the royal Westminster Palace occupied by William the Conqueror.
National Gallery
It's almost impossible to visit London without catching a glimpse of the impressive National Gallery. This iconic, columned museum is set at the edge of Trafalgar Square, home to incredible masterpieces that make it one of the best attractions in London.
It's almost impossible to visit London without catching a glimpse of the impressive National Gallery. This iconic, columned museum is set at the edge of Trafalgar Square, home to incredible masterpieces that make it one of the best attractions in London.
Holidays
17 March: Saint Patrick’s Day
For those of you who don't know already, Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated by Irish communities - and many others - around the world. Most cities in the UK host their own official Saint Patrick's Day celebrations, while many people choose to celebrate instead in venues around where they live or even throw parties at home.
17 March: Saint Patrick’s Day
For those of you who don't know already, Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated by Irish communities - and many others - around the world. Most cities in the UK host their own official Saint Patrick's Day celebrations, while many people choose to celebrate instead in venues around where they live or even throw parties at home.
21 June: Summer solstice
The summer solstice marks the longest day and the shortest night of the year, although the sun's position remains in pretty much the same place for a few days on either side. It is celebrated all over the UK in a diverse variety of ways. Perhaps the most famous is the celebration at the ancient monument of Stonehenge, where around 10,000 people gather to watch the sunrise.
The summer solstice marks the longest day and the shortest night of the year, although the sun's position remains in pretty much the same place for a few days on either side. It is celebrated all over the UK in a diverse variety of ways. Perhaps the most famous is the celebration at the ancient monument of Stonehenge, where around 10,000 people gather to watch the sunrise.
5 November: Bonfire night
Bonfire night, often referred to as Guy Fawkes' night, is originally marked the anniversary of Guy Fawkes - an English conspirator in the 17th-century Gunpowder Plot, who unsuccessfully tried to blow up Westminster Palace.
Bonfire night, often referred to as Guy Fawkes' night, is originally marked the anniversary of Guy Fawkes - an English conspirator in the 17th-century Gunpowder Plot, who unsuccessfully tried to blow up Westminster Palace.
Late August: Notting Hill Carnival
Held in London over the August bank holiday weekend, Notting Hill Carnival is the biggest street carnival in Europe. Join two million carnival-goers dancing to pumping calypso music and enjoying Caribbean food as they watch the vibrant and enthusiastic parade go by.
Held in London over the August bank holiday weekend, Notting Hill Carnival is the biggest street carnival in Europe. Join two million carnival-goers dancing to pumping calypso music and enjoying Caribbean food as they watch the vibrant and enthusiastic parade go by.
