Great britain

Great Britain, formally known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is situated on the British Isles, beautifully decorated by nature. The British Isles consist of Great Britain, Ireland and some 5,500 smaller islands. The total area of the United Kingdom is 244,027 square kilometres. Great Britain is divided into 92 administrative counties. It is seventy-fifth in size among the countries of the world and it was less than two percent of the world's land area. The largest island in north-west Europe — Great Britain — is separated from Ireland by the Irish Sea, and from the Continent by the English Chan­nel and the Strait of Dover.

The surface of England and Ireland is rather flat. The highest mountain in the United Kingdom is Ben Nevis in Scotland (1343 m). There are many rivers in Great Britain but they are not very long. The rivers are deep and do not freeze in winter. The chief rivers are the Severn (220 miles) and the Thames (215 miles).

Great Britain is known for its typically maritime climate with frequent rains, strong winds and continuous fogs.

The population of Great Britain is nearly 56 million people. England has more people than the other parts of the British Isles. About four fifths of the population are urban and only one fifth is rural.

Great Britain is a parliamentary monarchy. Queen Eli­zabeth II is the head of the state. In practice she reigns but does not rule. The country is governed in her name by the Government. Parliament is the supreme legislative body. It consists of two Houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The Prime Minister is usually the head of the party which is in power.

Ex.6. Доповніть речення:

1. Great Britain, formally known as …

2. Britain is divided into …

3. The surface of England and Ireland is …

4. The population of Great Britain is …

5. Queen Eli­zabeth II is …

6. Parliament is the supreme …

Домашнє завдання:

Ex. 1,2. Вивчіть новий лексичний матеріал:

Ex.7. Перекладіть подані нижче речення українською мовою:

1. One of the well-known museums is the British museum with its library and the collection of manuscripts. 2. London consists of four main parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End. 3. Westminster is a good place to start sightseeing. 4. Londoners spend their week-ends in the parks. 5. Great Britain has a common border only with Ire­land. 6. On the border between England and Scotland there is a range of hills, called the Cheviot Hills.

Ex.8. Розкажіть про якесь цікаве місце в Великобританії.

Питання дня самоконтролю:

1. Яка площа Великобританії?

2. Яке населення Великобританії?

3. Розкажіть про політику Великобританії?

Unit.6. Економічна ситуація в Україні.