Location
While the United Kingdom is slightly smaller than Oregon, England's share is about 50,363 square miles (130,357 square kilometers), or about the size of the state of New York. England is one of three nations that make up the island of Great Britain. The other two are Scotland and Wales. The United Kindgdom is composed of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Low mountains and rugged hills to the north are set against level and rolling plains in the south and southeast. Nearly half of the land is covered with meadows or pastures, while 29 percent is used for farming.
London is the capital city of the United Kingdom. It has an estimated population of 7.5 million and a metropolitan area population of between 12 and 14 million.
Climate
The climate is temperate, but skies are overcast more than half the time. Winds often blow from the southwest. The weather in the north is wetter and slightly cooler than in the south. Although winter temperatures rarely drop below 25 °F (-4 °C) and summer temperatures rarely exceed 75 °F (24 °C), humidity levels ranging from medium to high can make it seem colder or warmer than the temperature indicates. In the United Kingdom, temperature is measured in Celsius. F=(C*1.8)+32. Ex. 21 °C = 70 °F.
Time
When Central Standard Time is in effect in the United States, London is six hours ahead. Daylight Savings Time is also observed in the United Kingdom.
Currency
British currency (sterling) consists of pounds (£) and pence (p), sometimes referred to as “quid” and “p”. 100p = £1. Notes are issued for £5, £10, £20, and £50 and coins for 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2. |
