Chapter 4 — A Modern, Thriving Society
The UK Today
Population and Demographics
- UK population is approximately 67 million
- Most people live in England (the most densely populated part)
- The UK is a diverse and multicultural society
The Four Nations
| Nation | Capital | National Flower | Patron Saint |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | London | Rose | St George (23 April) |
| Scotland | Edinburgh | Thistle | St Andrew (30 November) |
| Wales | Cardiff | Daffodil | St David (1 March) |
| Northern Ireland | Belfast | Shamrock | St Patrick (17 March) |
National Symbols
- The Union Flag (Union Jack): made up of the crosses of St George, St Andrew, and St Patrick
- National anthem: God Save the King (or Queen)
- Currency: Pound sterling (£)
Languages
- English is the official language
- Welsh is spoken in parts of Wales (official language in Wales)
- Gaelic is spoken in parts of Scotland
- Many other languages are spoken across the UK due to its diverse population
Key Facts
- The UK drives on the left side of the road
- The UK uses the imperial system alongside the metric system for some measurements
- The UK is in the GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) timezone
- The UK is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy
Test yourself
Check your understanding with these quick questions.
1.What is the official currency of the UK?
2.What are the four nations of the UK?
3.Which of these is the national flower of England?
4.The UK population is approximately:
5.Which language is spoken in parts of Wales?