United Kingdom of Great Britain consists of four countries, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. capital each in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast respectively. The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and parliamentary democracy. During the nineteenth and early twentieth-century British Empire seemed to span the globe, but since the two world wars, it is the strength decreased significantly. Most countries of the British Empire gained their independence but remain part of the British Commonwealth (including Canada, Australia and New Zealand ).
Today, the United Kingdom part of the European Union, although not fully integrated many of it's sovereign powers are delegated to the European Parliament. However, if you are planning a holiday in the UK should be aware that the euro has not yet been adopted and the national currency which remains the British Pound. British Pound strongly defended the British people who see him as a symbol of their nationality. Maybe it stems from the fact that the UK economy is somewhat dominated by service sector industries such as financial services, with a strong history in banking and insurance.
Tourism remains an important element of the British economy with nearly thirty million foreign visitors per year. The United Kingdom is ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in the world (about six) with a massive selection of different tourist attractions. Many tourists are attracted to historic attractions, such as the many castles, with the royal family with much pomp and ceremony that remains in popular demand. Most of the interesting sights and attractions are located in London, such as Buckingham Palace, Tower of London and London Zoo.
Scotland is very popular among tourists who flock to Edinburgh to visit Edinburgh Castle or one of the many festivals held throughout the year. Other popular destinations in Scotland, the city of Glasgow, Stirling (popular for the historically important Stirling Castle) Pitlochry and other cities, such as Inverness Highlands (now city) and Fort William. more adventurous tourists take their vacation in the highlands and islands of the inner and outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland are some of the remotest parts of the UK.
Wales is predominantly a rural nation with a number of fine castles and other historic tourist attractions. capital city of Cardiff, is the old town and young city, thoroughly modern in that outlook. Cardiff, a city about 100 years, the castle which is claimed to be about 2,000 years, which is well worth a visit. modern Millennium Stadium and Wales Millennium Centre are some of the newest attractions and places for some spectacular events. Doctor Who exhibition is of great interest to fans of the BBC show (filmed mainly in the city) and they will be please to hear that the center is the number one attraction at the moment.
Northern Ireland is recovering quickly from the 'troubles' and very quickly growing in popularity as a vacation destination. For many years there was no conflict between those who wanted the region to return to the Irish people and those who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom. Today it is calm and places such as Carrickfergus Castle, Ireland's finest medieval castle, and many beaches such as Portrush Whiterocks Beach proving extremely popular among tourists.
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