Section 1 of 2
The UK has a population of approximately 67 million (2022 estimate: 67.6 million). The population is ethnically diverse, with people from many backgrounds. Nearly 10% of the population has a parent or grandparent born outside the UK.
📊 Population Distribution Across the Nations:
| Nation | % of UK Population |
|---|---|
| England | 84% |
| Scotland | 8% |
| Wales | 5% |
| Northern Ireland | 3% |
People in the UK are living longer than ever before due to improved living standards and better healthcare. There are now record numbers of people aged 85 and over. This has an impact on the cost of pensions and healthcare.
🔑 Key Population Facts: - UK population: approximately 67 million - England has the largest population (84% of UK total) - Population growth factors: migration and longer life expectancy - The population is aging (more elderly people)
The UK is historically Christian, but society is now diverse:
Places of Worship:
| Religion | Place of Worship |
|---|---|
| Christian | Church, chapel, cathedral |
| Muslim | Mosque |
| Hindu | Temple (mandir) |
| Sikh | Gurdwara |
| Jewish | Synagogue |
| Buddhist | Temple (vihara) |
National Symbols: - National Anthem: "God Save the King" (changes to "God Save the Queen" when the monarch is female) - Union Flag (often called the Union Jack): Combines the crosses of St George (England), St Andrew (Scotland), and St Patrick (Ireland). Wales is not represented on the Union Flag. - The Royal Standard flies when the monarch is in residence at a royal palace
English is the main language, but Welsh is also spoken in Wales (and is taught in Welsh schools), and Scots Gaelic in parts of Scotland. Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) is spoken by some in Northern Ireland. The UK has no legally established official language, but English is the de facto language of government.
- Education is compulsory for all children from age 5 (4 in Northern Ireland) to 16 years
| What | Age/Rule |
|---|---|
| Start school | 5 years (England), 4 years (NI) |
| Leave school | 16 years |
| Stay in education/training | Until 18 (England) |
| Drive a car | 17 years |
| Buy alcohol/cigarettes | 18 years |
| Vote in elections | 18 years |
| Marriage | 18 years (16+ with consent in Scotland) |
| Stand for public office | 18 years |
| Serve on a jury | 18 years |
| Holiday | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January | Bank holiday across the UK |
| Burns Night | 25 January | Scottish celebration of Robert Burns |
| St David's Day | 1 March | Welsh national day |
| St Patrick's Day | 17 March | Bank holiday in Northern Ireland |
| Mothering Sunday | March (varies) | 4th Sunday of Lent |
| Easter | March/April (varies) | Good Friday and Easter Monday are bank holidays |
| St George's Day | 23 April | England's national day |
| Guy Fawkes Night | 5 November | Bonfire Night — celebrates failure of 1605 Gunpowder Plot |
| Remembrance Day | 11 November | Honours those who died in war |
| St Andrew's Day | 30 November | Bank holiday in Scotland |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Major public holiday |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Bank holiday |
Remembrance Day (11 November): Commemorates those who died fighting for the UK and its allies. People wear red poppies as a symbol of remembrance. A two-minute silence is observed at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. The main ceremony takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. Armistice Day marks the end of WWI in 1918.
Guy Fawkes Night (5 November): Also called Bonfire Night. Celebrates the failure of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, when Guy Fawkes and others attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
Traditional Food of the UK: - Roast dinner (particularly Sunday roast) with roast meat, potatoes, vegetables, and gravy - Fish and chips — a classic British takeaway - Haggis — traditional Scottish dish (made from sheep's offal, oatmeal, and spices, cooked in a sheep's stomach) - Welsh cakes and bara brith (fruit bread) — Welsh specialities - Ulster fry — traditional Northern Irish cooked breakfast - Afternoon tea — tea with sandwiches and cakes, a British tradition - Christmas pudding and mince pies — traditional Christmas foods
These are summary notes — for full preparation, read the official handbook.
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