Great Britain: states system and sights

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1. Let’s talk about Britain. What can the British be proud of?

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated on the British Isles. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland consists of four formerly independent countries. They are England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The population of Great Britain is about 57 mln people. This country is famous for great geographical discoveries and glorious victories of the British fleet.

When I think about the UK I immediately think of the “foggy Albion” and the Cliffs of Dover as it’s what you see first coming to the UK by ferry. Of course, I think of its capital London.

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.

There are also a lot of castles in the country and British people can be really proud of their defense force and beauty.

The mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of Gulf Stream influence the climate of the British Isles. The weather in Great Britain is very changeable. The English people say: “Other countries have a climate; in England we have weather”.

The UK is a monarchy and the Queen is the head of the state. But in practice it is ruled by the elected government with a Prime Minister at the head.

2. What part of Great Britain would you like to visit? Why?

I would like to visit its capital, London. This city can’t be confused with any other city in the world. London taxi-cabs, red publish telephones; policemen and the building of Parliament with its famous bell called Big Ben are considered as its visiting cards.

The London eye is a major feature of London’s skyline. It is the world’s highest observation wheel.

3. What would you ask a person who works at Buckingham Palace about the Royal family?

1. What ceremonial functions does the Royal family perform?
2. Are the members of the Royal family involved in charity work?
3. Does the tourism related to the Royal family bring any money to the country?
4. Is it hard to work in such place?

4. What British festivals would you advise your friends to visit?

In Britain customs and traditions play a more important part in the life of people than in any other countries. The British are proud of their traditions and carefully keep them up. There are a lot of festivals there too.

One of the most beautiful, to my mind is held in the 1^st Monday after May 1^st. People erect a maypole then, a tall pole with ribbons hanging from the top. Young children dance round it, holding the ribbons. Teenage girls sometimes enter for the May Queen competition.

5. Do British traditions and customs differ from Belarusian ones?

So many countries - so many customs. Each country has common and different traditions.

There are only six public holidays in our countries, the days on which people need not to go to work, but they are different. In Britain they are: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Spring Bank Holiday and Late Summer Bank Holiday. In our country they are: the 1^st of January (or we may say Boxing Day), Christmas Day, Women’s Day, Labour Day, Victory Day, Independence Day and the Revolution Day in November.