England

For many centuries England has been one of the most influential and important countries of Europe. In spite of its relatively small size. England has produced many hardy explorers. These adventurers helped to create the world's largest empire, which stretched into many parts of the world. At home. English workers built the first industiial communities in Europe. England joins the smaller countries of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
Official Name - the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Area -50,400 square miles i130.400 square km), which is a little smaller than the state of Alabama,
Population—46,000,000
Government -a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government, liament consists of two chambers: the House of Lords and House of Commons.
Language- English. Many regions have their own dialects, which are frequently used to identify a person's background and social class.

Elevation- The Highest peak is Scafell Pike approximately 3200 feet (980 m) above sea level.
Flag—Union flag, which combines the red cross o England's St. George, the Scottish diagonal blue and white cross of St. Andrew, and the Irish red diagonal cross of St. Patrick. When flown on an English ship it is often called the "Union Jack."
Religion—While all religions are accepted, the Protestant Church of England has been the country's official religion since the 1500s. Others include Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Jewish, and Hindu.

Currency—-The English unit of currency is the pound sterling (£}. with 100 pence in one pound. Coins are minted in 1, 2. 5, 10, 20. and 50 pence and 1 pound pieces. Paper currency is printed in 5, 10, 20, and 50 pound notes, which are designed in different sizes and colors and etched with portraits of the queen or other famous historic figures.

London, the capital and largest city, was built on
the site of an ancient Roman town. The city proper
and its 32 boroughs cover 610 square miles (1580
square km).
Birmingham, the second largest city, is the center for industry such as tools,
motors, and automobiles.
Manchester is the regional banking center. In Victorian times it was known for its
cotton trade.
Cambridge is the site of Cambridge University,
Oxford is the site of Oxford University.
Plymouth, a sea port on the English Channel, was the departure point for many
emigrants leaving for America and for other countries.

National Symbol— "John Bull," an imaginary person (like "'Uncle Sam" in the U.S.), who represents England. He is pictured as short and fat. He wears trousers tucked into his boots and a vest that looks like the British flag.