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Great Britain, the dominant
industrial and maritime power of the 19th century,
played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in
advancing literature and science. At its zenith, the British Empire
stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the
20th century saw the UK's strength seriously depleted in two World Wars.
The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK
rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. As one of
five permanent members of the UN Security Council, a founding member of
NATO, and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign
policy; it currently is weighing the degree of its integration with
continental Europe. A member of the EU, it chose to remain outside of the
European Monetary Union for the time being. Constitutional reform is also
a significant issue in the UK. Regional assemblies with varying degrees of
power opened in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 1999.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain can be
subdivided in 5 areas : Northern England,
Southern England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each
and every area has its own language, culture and historical background.
Both the English parts form the largest, most densily populated and
thriving part of the country. The capital London lies in Southeast
England.
Northern Ireland also belongs to the
Kingdom, as well as a number of smaller islands,
such as the desolate Hebrides west of Scotland, the Scilly Islands in the
Channel and the Shetland Islands in the North Sea. Some Islands are not
really a part of Great Britain but have strong adminitrative ties with the
UK : the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, the Channel Islands Jersey,
Guernsey and Alderney in front of the French coast. They have self-rule,
but the British are responsible for defence and foreign affairs.
Also outside of Europe remainders can
be found of the Empire "where the sun never sets" : Gibraltar, islands in
the Pacific and Indian Ocean and the Falkland Islands close to Argentina.
All these oversea areas are called "British Dependent Territories".
In our links section you will find a large
number of web sites with more detailed information about the fascinating
history and landscapes of this "great" Britain.
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