Hello everyone! It passed my notice that many of my fellow pupils out there aren't paying much attention in their History or Geography lessons (very undemure of you). So, why not share some fun facts about different countries around the world? Today, I'll be telling you about my home country, the United Kingdom. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get started!



Introduction:
The United Kingdom, also referred to as the UK, or Great Britain, is a country in North Western Europe. It comprises the countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK covers an area of 244,376 kilometres squared. As of 2023, the UK has an estimated population of nearly 69 million people.

Capitals:
The capital and largest city of England and the UK both is London. Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, Cardiff of Wales, and Belfast of Northern Ireland.

History:
In 1707, the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland united under the Treaty of Union to create the Kingdom of Great Britain. The Acts of Union 1800 incorporated the Kingdom of Ireland to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1801. Most of Ireland seceded from the UK in 1922 as the Irish Free State, and the Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act 1927 created the present United Kingdom.

The Royal Family & Brief Biography of King Charles III:
After the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 22nd, 2022, at the age of 96 years, her son, Prince Charles III ascended the throne and became the next King of the United Kingdom. His coronation took place at Westminster Abbey on May 6th, 2023.

King Charles was born on November 14th, 1948. He was created the Prince of Wales in 1958. He was educated at Cheam School and Gordonstoun, and later spent six months at the Timbertop campus of Geelong Grammar School in Victoria, Australia. After completing a history degree from the University of Cambridge, Charles served in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy from 1971 to 1976. In 1981, he married Lady Diana Spencer. They had two sons, William and Harry. Charles and Diana divorced in 1996. Diana died as a result of injuries sustained in a car crash the following year. In 2005, Charles married his long-term partner, Camilla Parker Bowles. At the age of 73, he was the oldest person to accede to the British throne, after having been the longest-serving heir apparent and Prince of Wales in British history.

National Symbols of the UK:
England:
National Flag - St George’s Cross
National Anthem - God Save the King (Replaced with Queen when the monarch is a female)
Capital - London
National Animal - Lion (unofficial)
National Tree - The Oak
National Flower - The Rose
National Cuisine/Food - A full English breakfast usually consists of bacon, sausages, eggs, fried or grilled tomatoes, fried mushrooms, bread, black pudding, baked beans, and sometimes hash browns. Fish & chips (My favourite food!) roast beef & Yorkshire pudding.
National Drink - Tea
National Poet - William Shakespeare
National Language - British English

Scotland:
National Flag - St Andrew’s Cross
National Anthem - Flowers of Scotland
Capital - Edinburgh
National Poet - Robert Burns
National Animal - The Unicorn
National Flower - The Thistle
National Tree - Scots Pine
National Food/Cuisine - Haggis, Shortbread
National Drink - Whisky, Irn-Bru
National Language - English, Scots

Wales:
National Flag - The Red Dragon
National Anthem - Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau
Capital - Cardiff
National Flower - The Daffodil
National Tree - Sessile Oak, aka Welsh Oak
National Wildlife symbol - The Red Kite
National Language - Welsh, English
National Poet - Hanan Issa
National Cuisine/Food - Cawl
National Drink - Beer

Northern Ireland:
National Flag - Ulster Banner
National Anthem - Amhrán na bhFiann
Capital - Belfast
National Bird - The Northern Lapwing
National Plant - Shamrock
National Tree - Sessile Oak
National Food/Cuisine - Irish Stew
National Drink - Guinness
National Poet - James Clarence Mangan
National Language - English, Irish

Prominent Places in the UK:
Now that I’ve given you a brief introduction, as well as the history and information about the Royal Family and national symbols of the UK, I'll be introducing you to some captivating, touristy places in the UK.

First up, we have none other than the prestigious Big Ben, which is found in the Elizabeth Tower, Central London, next to the river Thames. As a person living in London, this is one of my favourite places to visit. Big Ben is probably the world’s most famous clock. Here are some interesting facts about Big Ben:

- The tower took over 15 years to build.
- It survived World War II.
- The bells of Big Ben chime a distinctive melody.
- Big Ben is a regular star of the Silver Screen.

Next, we have Buckingham Palace, which is located in the heart of south-east England. Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of the UK's sovereigns since 1837 and today is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch. Here are some engrossing facts about Buckingham Palace:

- There are over 700 rooms in the Palace.
- Queen Victoria was the first to live in Buckingham Palace.
- Buckingham Palace is like an opulent mini-village.

Next, we have the White Cliffs of Dover, which also happens to be located in England. The Dover Hills acted as a symbol of Britain and a backdrop to countless historic events including the Roman invasion of Britain and both world wars. Here are some appealing facts about the Dover Hills:

- The White Cliffs are made up of chalk that formed underwater around 100 million years ago.
- They are over 300 ft high in places.
- The name Dover originally meant “the waters” or “the stream.”

Up next, we have the Edinburgh Palace. As the name suggests, this palace is located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Here are some entrancing facts about the palace:

- The castle sits on top of an extinct volcano.
- Two million people visit the castle every year.
- King James VI was born in this palace.
- The castle is known as “The Defender of the Nation.”

And lastly, we have Keem Bay, which is a sheltered beach surrounded by cliffs on Ireland's largest island, Achill Island. Here are some intriguing facts about the bay:

- Keem has been voted the best place to go swimming in the British Isles.
- It is one of the most picturesque bays in Ireland.
-Keem Bay is sheltered between steep slopes.

Now here, I am attaching some pictures for you to see (and enjoy!)



Ah, that took a very long time to write. But, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Unfortunately, Countries Around The World won’t be around for a while from now on due to my temporary departure all the way to June. But hey, you can still read other chapters during that long wait. Goodbye for now!

Written by Marlee Potter.
Edited by Marietta Oizys.
Proofread by Daphne Clarke.