The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated to the northwest of Europe on the British Isles. The North Sea, the Celtic Sea, and the English Channel separate them from the continent.

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THE UNITED KINGDOM AND ITS CAPITAL 

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated to the northwest of Europe on the British Isles. The North Sea, the Celtic Sea, and the English Channel separate them from the continent. The British Isles consist of two large islands, Great Britain and Ireland, and about five thousand small islands. Their total area is over 240,000 square kilometers. 

The surface of the British Isles varies much. There are mountains on the north and west. The center and southeast is a vast plain. There are many rivers in Great Britain, but they are not very long. The Severn is the longest river, while the Thames is the deepest and most important one. The mountains, the warm waters of the Gulf Stream of the Atlantic Ocean influence the climate. It is mild the whole year round. 

The United Kingdom is made up of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The capital of the United Kingdom is London, its political, economic and commercial center. It is a global city and the largest city in the UK. Its population is more than 10 million. Traditionally London is divided into the City and Greater London with 32 boroughs. 

The City is a heart of London, its financial and business center. Westminster is its historical and governmental part. Trafalgar Square is an official center of London. It was named in memory of Admiral Nelson's victory (Britain over France) in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London, while the East End is an industrial one, famous for its markets, docks and immigrant communities. 

The UK is the fifth-largest economy in the world and the second largest in Europe (after Germany). The chief industries are service, manufacturing (automotive and aerospace) and pharmaceutical. One of the world's most famous securities ntarkets is the London Stock Exchange, the largest and oldest exchange in Europe. 

The United Kingdom is a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy. In law, the Head of State is the Queen or the King. Now it is Elizabeth II. In practice, its parliamentary government with the Prime Minister at the head rules the country. The Prime Minister is Boris Johnson.

The United Kingdom is a member of many international organizations and one of the most influential countries in the world.

 

Answer the questions.

I. Where is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland situated? 

2. What is the surface of the British Isles? 

3. Is the Thames the deepest or the longest river? Why is it considered to be the most important river? 

4. What parts does the United Kingdom consist of? 

5. What are the chief industries of the UK? 

6. What is the political structure of the UK? 

7. Who is the Prime Minister? 

8. What is the capital of the United Kingdom? 

9. What parts is London divided into? 

10. What is the richest and most attractive part of London? 

11. What memory was the Trafalgar Square named in? 

12. What part of London is considered industrial?