INTRODUCTION TO UNITED KINGDOM

Introduction:
United Kingdom, country in northwestern Europe, northwest of France and east of Ireland, surrounded by the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Also known as Britain, the kingdom includes England, Scotland, and Wales, on the island of Great Britain, and Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland. The total area of the kingdom is 244,110 sq km (94,251 sq mi). The capital and largest city is London.

Population:
The population of the United Kingdom is 57,591,677 (1997 estimate). About 94 percent of Britons are English, Scottish, Irish, or Welsh; minority groups include Indians, West Indians, Pakistanis, Africans, Bangladeshis, Chinese, and Arabs. The Church of England (or Anglican Church) has 48 percent of the population as members, and the Roman Catholic Church has 16 percent.
The country's official language is English. For the development and present state of languages and literature in the United Kingdom, see Celtic Languages; Cornish Literature; Drama and Dramatic Arts; English Language; English Literature; Gaelic Literature; Irish Literature; Welsh Literature.

Historically, British education has derived much of its prestige from the excellence of its private preparatory schools, such as Eton College, Harrow School, and Rugby School. The students of these schools came mostly from the middle, aristocratic, and wealthy classes. Free elementary education was made available to all students by the end of the 19th century. Education is now compulsory for all children age 5 to 16. Universities, including the famous ones in Oxford and Cambridge, receive government funding.

Economy:
The United Kingdom is primarily an industrial and commercial nation and a world leader in international trade. Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the nation has remained one of the most highly industrialized countries of the world over the past two centuries, sustained by abundant deposits of coal and iron ore. Industry, including manufacturing, construction, and mining, employs 25 percent of the workforce.

Leading manufactures are food products, transportation equipment, nonelectrical machinery, chemical products, and metal products. Scotland and Northern Ireland are noted for their production of whiskeys and linen, and England has a large brewing industry.

Petroleum was discovered under the North Sea in the 1960s, and production of oil and natural gas has fulfilled all of Britain's requirements. Surpluses are an important source of export revenue. A great deal of the country's land is not suited to farming, and more than three-fifths of the food supply must be imported. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing employ only about 2 percent of workers.

Already a focus of world trade in the 18th century, Britain took an even more important position as its empire grew. In 1995 imports totaled $264 billion and exports $242 billion. About 25 million tourists visit the country yearly, spending $25.4 billion.
The unit of currency is the pound sterling (£1; £0.64 equals U.S.$1; 1996).

Government:
The United Kingdom is a parliamentary monarchy with an unwritten constitution consisting of historic documents such as the Magna Carta, the Petition of Right, and the Bill of Rights; statutes; judicial precedents (common law); and custom (see English Constitution). The constitution is flexible and may be changed by an act of Parliament. The British monarch is head of state, but executive power is wielded by a prime minister and a committee of ministers called the Cabinet. Cabinet ministers are selected from members of the two houses of Parliament.

Parliament consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Lords is composed of hereditary peers and peeresses, 2 Anglican archbishops, 24 bishops, and life peers, whose titles are not hereditary. The full House of Lords numbers more than 1200. Bills from the House of Commons are sent to the House of Lords for discussion, but a vote from the House of Lords is not needed to pass legislation. This house often suggests revisions and provides a forum for debate free from party politics.
Members of the House of Commons are elected from geographical constituencies. In England, Scotland, and Wales, each constituency approximates a population of 60,000. In Northern Ireland the population base is somewhat larger. Total membership in the House of Commons is about 650. Elections are held every five years unless called earlier or postponed by special statute in times of war or national emergency.