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: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Channel Islands.
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 defense 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".
Wales
Wales captivates visitors with its rich character and landscapes. The Welsh
speak their own Celtic language as well as English and have their own
culture, poetry and song, which they celebrate in concerts and unique summer
festivals known as 'eisteddfodau'.
Cardiff - For travelers in the United
Kingdom, the Welsh capital of Cardiff is a welcome respite from the summer
crush in London. Cardiff is less than two hours by rail, and trains leave
frequently from London's Paddington station. Top attractions include the
Millennium Stadium and its cutting-edge architecture; the Wales Millennium
Centre, an arts complex for opera, theater and other performances; the
waterfront area, which buzzes with cafes and boutiques; and the National
Museum Cardiff, which has the second-largest collection of impressionist
paintings after Paris.
Northern Ireland
Vibrant cities with shopping, nightlife and festivals, outdoor activities,
fabulous food and unspoilt retreats where you can unwind, relax and
recharge.
Travel to Belfast - Belfast is the city where the past still breathes, be
it, its squares, avenues & streets of magnificent Victorian & Edwardian
architecture, in its atmospheric pubs, old markets, In the humour & stories of
its people, in the miles of docks & crane-lined quays where the magic that
created Titanic still lingers. To attract visitor’s fabulous hotels,
state-of-the-art conference centers & incredible apartment blocks are fast
emerging. Belfast’s chefs are famous for their creative cuisines.
Belfast is passionate about celebrating arts, there is always a festival or an
event going on. The city is famous worldwide for the uniqueness of its bars &
high energy dance clubs. Its trendy markets make it one of the Europe’s hot
shopping destinations.
Channel Islands
Friendly communities, a rugged coastline and gentle, unspoiled scenery make
the islands ideal for anyone who wants to ‘get out there’ and explore on
foot or by bike. |
British
Airways London Eye
Caswell
Hotel London