|
The British Isles are the home of four nations — English,
Scottish, Welsh and Irish. Even though foreigners often call
all British people "English", and sometimes have difficulty in
appreciating the distinctions, the component nations of the
United Kingdom are well aware of their own individual
characteristics. The Scots, Welsh and Irish regard themselves
as largely Celtic peoples, while the English are mainly Anglo-
Saxon in origin.
British society as a whole does not have a uniform cultural
identity. In 1993 the population of the United Kingdom was
about 58 million inhabitants. This figure gives a population
density of 600 persons per square mile (284 per square km).
England has an average density of 980 persons per square
mile (364 per square km). This average does not reveal the
even higher densities in some areas of the country, such as
south-east parts. Within Europe only the Netherlands has a
higher population that England.
Questions:
1. How many nations live in the Great Britain? What are
they?
2. What nations regard themselves as Celtic people?
3. What nation is Anglo-Saxon?
4. What was the population in 1988?
5. What Europe country has a higher population than
England?
|
