ENGLAND & WALES
Geography
England covers approx. 50,000 sq. miles (129,500 sq.km) and Wales 8,000 (20,720).
The capital of England is London whilst Cardiff is the Welsh capital
Approximately 51m people live in England and 3m in Wales. The major urban areas of population are Greater London, West Midlands, Greater Manchester, West and South Yorkshire.
England & Wales are lands of contrasts. There are the lakes and mountains, woodlands, moors, historic castles and towns, pretty villages and dramatic coastlines. Wales has 3 National Parks (Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire and Brecon Beacons) and they cover approx. 20% of the country. England has 8 National Parks; the Peak District and Lake District ones being the most visited.
Language
English. Approx. 25% of the population of Wales also speak Welsh. English is the second language for approx. 10% of primary school children in England.
Further Information
For further information on England visit www.enjoyengland.com and news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/default.stm
For more information on Wales visit new.wales.gov.uk/?lang=en, www.visitwales.com and news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/default.stm
To learn more about health, education, social services and local government in Wales powers visit the National Assembly For Wales website at
www.assemblywales.org
London
When talking of London most people mean Greater London which consists of the City of London and 32 boroughs and covers over 900 sq. miles (2,330 sq.km) . More than 7.6 million people live there. That’s about 15% of England’s total population.
Almost 30% of London’s population belongs to minority ethnic group and over 300 languages are spoken.
London is one of the world’s leading centres for financial services and business. Not surprisingly, given its many historic buildings and landmarks, tourism is also vitally important to London’s economy.
This is one of the world’s most vibrant, bustling cities.
London’s West End is packed with shops, restaurants, bars and theatres.
For more information on London visit www.london.gov.uk and www.visitlondon.com
Manchester
In recent years Manchester has gone through a major transformation. Eye catching modern buildings stand alongside the grand buildings built by 19th century industrialists (cotton manufacturing was the major industry back then).
There is a wide choice of restaurants, bars and cafes, concert venues and theatres.
The Peak District National Park lies to the east of Manchester. There you will find spectacular scenery and pretty villages. Of course, it’s a great place for walking and cycling.
The Lake District National Park with its many hills and lakes offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole of the UK. There are walks for all levels of fitness and ability. There are boat trips available on many of the lakes and lots of town and villages to explore.
For more information on Manchester visit www.visitmanchester.com
Learn more about the Peak District National Park at www.peakdistrict.org and the Lake District National Park at www.lake-district.gov.uk
