Vital Information About The UK
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Traditionally, the region referred to as the United Kingdom is a sovereign state comprising of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom came to being in 1707 with the amalgamation of the Scottish and English Kingdoms (The Scottish kingdom consisted of Scotland and Ireland).
Until 1922 when the Irish got their independence, now Republic of Ireland was part of the UK for over a hundred years.
The capital of the UK is London, much as it is of England.
In 1960, the remains of a Mammoth were found in present day Kings Cross station, and an elephant and lion unearthed at charring cross area, all dating back to primeval ages.
Great Britain or Britain is also used to refer to part or the whole of the United Kingdom. The name Britain strictly refers to England, Wales and Scotland, without Northern Ireland.
Everyone living in the United Kingdom are called Britons or British, nevertheless.
The United Kingdom has several islands and territories which are referred to as the British Islands. These Islands have their own government. Jersey (Channel Islands) and Isle of Man are examples.
Over the years, several people have migrated to the UK who are unable top speak the English language. If you are coming in to the United Kingdom to study, live and work, it is now required (since November 2010) that all Non-European migrants must show that they can speak and understand English.
People and Population
The UK is the 3rd most populous nation in Europe, and the 21st on earth.The population currently stands at about 62,041,708, with over 8.5 million living in London alone. This information may be important as many who learn about the UK end up living in London. There are other beautiful and quiet cities just outside London within 30 minutes commuting that could be home to new comers to the UK.
It is estimated that about 85% of the UK population resides in England, and the balance 8%, 4% and 3% lives in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland respectively.
There is currently a very large multicultural mix of population especially in the capital. Loads of people come here too, just to learn about the UK.
There are over 1.2 million people of 2.5 Million people of Asian origin in the UK, as it is also home to some 2 million people of African origin.
Over 70 percent of people who live here are Christians, with Muslims accounting for about 3%. There are also Hindus, Sikh, Jews, Buddhist and several other religions. It is a circular state tolerant of all religious faith.
The people are welcoming, courteous, hardworking and adventurous. The Brits are well known to travel a lot, and contribute tremendously to world tourism.
Like in most of the developed world, the population is mainly an aging one, with families having an average of two children.
Economy of The UK
The UK economy is the 6th largest economy in the world by all criteria, and has recovered faster than expected, after the great recession of 2008.London remains the financial capital of the world, with over 100 of the top best 500 companies in Europe based in the city of London.
In terms of resources, the UK has a large reserve of coal. In the early 1970’s, oil was discovered in the North sea, making UK the second largest deposit of oil in Europe after Norway.
60% of food consumed at home is produced in the UK. Only 1% of the population are involved in agriculture. Britain is one of the world’s leading fishing nations on the planet.
It is dynamic economy founded on very solid foundation. If you are learning about the UK, and want to come in to work in England, you will be helping to prop up the economy too.
About The UK : Employment Opportunities
Over 40,000 jobs are posted daily in England and Wales. Employment opportunities are many. If you really want to work and have the right qualifications and immigration permit, you will find a job in the UK.The British government welcomes thousands of foreigners to the UK yearly. As long as you have something to contribute to the economy, you are welcome.
The UK is one of the best places to work in the world. The working climate in the UK is fantastic. It remains the envy of many for the following reasons:
- Low working hours… an average of 37.5 hours weekly full time, compared to places where working hours could be up to 90 a week
- Low unemployment…less than 5%, amongst the lowest in the world
- Very good salary - The Average salary in the UK is currently about £35,000 per annum
- Compulsory paid annual leave up 6 weeks in a year, depending on length of service and industry. Everybody gets a minimum of 4 weeks paid annual leave in a year if you are working full time
- Compulsory paid maternity and paternity leave. Mothers can take up to 6 months paid leave and even 12 months in some organizations (first 3 months paid full, next 3 months halve pay and then no pay for 6 months.
- 12 public holidays per annum
- Highly tolerant society… in fact, London has been described as the museum of the human race, as you can get individuals from almost any country in the world within a small radius
- Multicultural society too
- World Class but free and easily accessible health care system
- Free and compulsory education for your kids up to secondary level
- Unemployment and welfare benefits if tragedy strikes or you stay long enough to qualify
- The list seems to go on and on and on… what more can you want. Strong unions are available to protect your employment rights
If you want to become British, you will be required to learn a lot more about the UK.
Most people who come to the UK stop by and live in London.
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