England Facts & Information

Location	Western Europe, islands including the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, northwest of France
Climate	Temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one-half of the days are overcast
Terrain	Mostly rugged hills and low mountains; level to rolling plains in east and southeast
Population	60,094,648
Nationality	British
Ethnic groups	English 81.5%, Scottish 9.6%, Irish 2.4%, Welsh 1.9%, Ulster 1.8%, West Indian, Indian, Pakistani, and other 2.8%
Religions	Anglican and Roman Catholic 40 million, Muslim 1.5 million, Presbyterian 800,000, Methodist 760,000, Sikh 500,000, Hindu 500,000, Jewish 350,000
Languages	English, Welsh (about 26% of the population of Wales), Scottish form of Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland)
Government Type	Constitutional monarchy
Capital	London
Currency	British pound
Description of Flag	The British flag has a blue background with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland). The British flag is properly known as the Union Jack, but is commonly called the Union Jack.
England Flag

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British Culture

time period, the Romans, who occupied the region, played an important role in shaping England’s culture. After the Celtics, the Saxons dominated followed by the Normans. Elements from the Celtics, Saxons and Normans meshed together to create a new culture.

England has also made noteworthy artistic contributions to the world in the fields of literature, theatre and architecture. Some of the more popular literary works were authored by such famous names as Shakespeare, Dickens, and Morrison. Remnants from England’s various architectural eras are visible today in the form of castles, cathedrals, and government building in and around London. Religion plays a less important role in England. However, most English belong to the Church of England.

As a people, the British are commonly described as being very reserved, curt, and polite. However, cultural traits vary from region to region. Many people say that folks living in Liverpool have the driest sense of humor. London is considered the crux of English culture. England is not typically known for its cuisine. However, London’s growth as a world city is helping to alter critics’ view of English food. Every type of dish is available in London. In addition, London is home to a number of celebrated chefs. But of course, you can still get your fill of fish and chips. Londoners are typically easy going and tolerant people. It’s hard to shock or impress a Londoner. Today London continues to influence the world in fashion, media, and entertainment.

Visit London, the heart of pop culture.

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London Shopping

Harrods then it doesn’t exist. Harrods has earned a reputation as being a tourist destination in its own right. Shoppers marvel at the construction of the building and are often overwhelmed by the sele ction of merchandise offered to them. In addition to London’s fab department stores and swank boutiques, there are a number of noteworthy markets around the city. Bermondsey Market (located on the corner of Long Lane and Bermondsey Street) is a bargain hunter’s dream. If antiquing is more to your taste, check out Portobello Market on Portobello Road.

London Travel Guides
 Frommer's London
 Lonely Planet London
 Let's Go London
 Fodors London