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Ответ от Мария Калиева[новичек]
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Great Britain is the name of the island which is made up of England, Scotland and Wales and in fact it does not include Northern Island. The British Isles is the geographical name that refers to all the islands off the north-west coast of the European continent. Britain is one of the world’s smaller countries, the total area of which is some 244,000 square kilometers, of which is one thirtieth of all Europe. The population is over 57 million. English is the official language, but it is not the only language which people speak in the country.
The country is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea and the Irish Sea. Geographically Great Britain is divided into Lowland Britain and Highland Britain. Lowland Britain comprises Southern and Eastern England. Highland Britain includes Scotland, Wales, the Pennines and the Lake District. The highest mountain – Ben Nevis – is in Scotland. There are many rivers in Great Britain. The longest river is the Severn, and the deepest is the Thames. Almost all mountains in Great Britain are in the North and West. They are not high. North-West England is also famous for its beautiful lakes.
Great Britain is a parliamentary monarchy. The power of the Queen is limited by the Parliament, which consists of two Houses – The House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Lords doesn’t have much power but it is very important as it can offer and change laws, it can delay laws too. The House of Commons makes laws about the policy of the country, taxes and many other things. The members of the House of Lords are not elected. These members are permanent. They are often aristocrats, people of the church, lawyers and former politicians. The members of the House of Commons are elected. The British people elect 650 members of the House of Commons every five years.
London is the capital of Great Britain. It is one of the biggest cities in the world. Its population is more than 11 million people. This is the heart and soul of the country. In this historic city the modern borders on the old, the present is ever conscious of the past, the great and the small live side by side in mutual tolerance and respect, and in every part of London’s busy and complex life there is to be found a very genuine affection for English traditions.
Great Britain is a highly developed industrial country. It exports machinery, vessels, motors and other goods.