History
Britain is located in the northwestern part of Europe, and it consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its total area of land and water is 152,033 square miles, and it has a population of about 60 million people. While most of the people in Britain are English, Welsh, Scottish, and Irish, there are various other ethnic groups that reside there as well, making it a more racially and culturally diverse nation. The two main languages that are used in Britain are English and Welsh, and minor languages are spoken in certain regions, such as Scottish Gaelic in several parts of Scotland.
Britain has an illustrious history that dates back to the Neolithic Age, but its most prominent achievements took place during the 19th century, when it became the most powerful industrial and maritime force in the world. At the height of its power, the British Empire ruled one-fourth of the world. After the two World Wars in the 20th century, the British Empire was dismantled, and Britain started focusing its effort on reconstructing itself into an affluent European nation. Today, Britain still has considerable influence on the affairs of the world, as it undertakes responsibilities such as the founding member of the NATO and Commonwealth, as well as acting as one of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
Government
The British government is a constitutional monarchy that is structured according to the principles of democracy. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, and the Prime Minister is Gordon Brown. The British Parliament is composed of three elements, which are The Queen, The House of Lords, and The House of Commons. On important occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament, The Queen will summon the Commons to a meeting at the House of Lords. In order for a law to be passed, it has to be consented to by all 3 elements. The main responsibilities of the Parliament are to issue laws, support governmental work, examine policies and administrative activities of the government, and debate current issues.
Tourism
Presently, Britain is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe because it has many interesting attractions and activities to offer. Tourists in Britain will never have a dull moment as there are a great number of places of interest to visit, from historic sites and museums to natural attractions and shopping places. Some of the famous attractions in Britain are the Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, British Museum, Big Ben, Madame Tussauds, Tate Modern, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Shakespeare’s Globe, Harrods, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Hampton Court Palace, Greenwich, Castle Keep and New Castle, Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, Warwick Castle, Roman Baths, and Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Other than the citizens of countries that belong to the European Union and European Economic Area, and a number of other countries, which include the US, all visitors to Britain must obtain a visa before they travel to the country. Visa application can be done at the British embassies, consulates, and high commissions in the countries where the travelers come from. Applicants are required to fill out a tourist visa application form, show a valid passport that is not expiring in the next 6 months, submit one passport-size photograph, show evidence of funds sufficient for travel expenses, and pay an application fee of 65 pounds.
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