Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society
The UK today
Religion
Customs and traditions
Sports
Arts and culture
Leisure
Places of Interest
Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role
The British constitution
The government
The UK and international institutions
Respecting the law
Fundamental principles
Your role in the community
Summary Notes
A modern, thriving society
​Within this chapter, you'll discover valuable insights on the following topics:
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UK cities and population
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Religious festivals in the UK
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Popular sports and renowned athletes
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Evolution of music, featuring famous composers
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History of British theatre and cinema
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Notable British artists and architects
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Renowned British poets and authors
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Excerpts from famous British poems
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British comedy and leisure pastimes
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Iconic British landmarks
The UK Today
his section explores the contemporary landscape of the UK, which stands as a significantly more diverse society today than it was a century ago, both in terms of ethnicity and religion. Post-war immigration has had a profound impact, with nearly 10% of the population having a parent or grandparent born outside the UK. This diversity has enriched the nation, contributing to a multifaceted culture. The following paragraphs delve into the various regions within the UK, their distinct characteristics, traditions, customs, and popular activities.
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Geographically, the UK extends from John O'Groats on the northern coast of Scotland to Land's End in the southwest corner of England, covering approximately 870 miles. Although urban centers dominate, significant portions of the country remain rural, drawing visitors for leisure pursuits like walking, camping, and fishing. Cities like London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast are vibrant hubs with their unique identities. The pound sterling serves as the national currency, with variations of banknotes in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Languages and dialects vary, with Welsh, Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic spoken in different regions. The population has evolved over time, with migration and increased life expectancy contributing to growth. England comprises the largest share, while Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland account for the rest. An aging population and ethnic diversity, especially in cities like London, shape contemporary UK society. Gender equality is a legal requirement, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for men and women, who participate actively in the workforce and share responsibilities for childcare and household duties.
Religion in the UK
This section explores the religious composition of the UK, where Christianity has historically played a prominent role with about 70% of the population identifying as Christian according to the 2009 Citizenship Survey. However, there is a growing religious diversity, with adherents of Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, and Buddhism, each having their places of worship across the nation. It's crucial to note that individuals in the UK have the legal freedom to choose their religion or opt for a non-religious stance, with approximately 21% reporting no religious affiliation.
Additionally, this section provides insights into the unique religious structure in England, where the Church of England, also known as the Anglican Church, maintains a constitutional connection with the state, featuring the monarch as its head and the Archbishop of Canterbury as its spiritual leader. Meanwhile, Scotland boasts its national Church, the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, governed by ministers and elders. In contrast, Wales and Northern Ireland lack established state Churches but host a range of Christian denominations, alongside the Church of England. The summary also briefly touches on the celebration of patron saints' days in the UK, underscoring their cultural significance.
Customs and traditions
This section explores customs and traditions in the UK, shedding light on the main Christian festivals. Christmas Day, celebrated on 25 December, is a significant public holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It's a time for families to gather, share special meals featuring roast turkey, Christmas pudding, and mince pies, exchange gifts, send cards, and decorate their homes, often with Christmas trees. Christmas holds a special charm for children, who eagerly await the arrival of Father Christmas (Santa Claus) and the gifts he brings on Christmas Eve. Boxing Day follows on 26 December and is also a public holiday, offering a day of relaxation and perhaps more festivities.
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Beyond Christian celebrations, this section showcases various religious festivals observed in the UK. Diwali, celebrated in October or November, is known as the Festival of Lights and is cherished by Hindus and Sikhs. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the acquisition of knowledge. Other festivals, like Hannukah in November or December, Eid al-Fitr and Eid ul Adha in Islam, and Vaisakhi in Sikhism, are celebrated, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry that enriches the UK's traditions and customs. Additionally, secular traditions like New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, April Fool's Day, and Halloween, each with its unique customs, add vibrancy to the UK's cultural calendar.
Sport
This section explores the significance of sports in the lives of people in the UK. Several sports hold a special place in the hearts of the British population, with numerous major events occurring in iconic stadiums like London's Wembley Stadium and Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. Local governments and private companies provide a wide range of sports facilities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, football pitches, and gymnasiums. Many of the world's most famous sports, such as cricket, football, lawn tennis, golf, and rugby, originated in the UK.
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The UK has a notable history of hosting the Olympic Games, with three occasions in 1908, 1948, and 2012. The 2012 Olympics in Stratford, East London, saw the British team achieve significant success across various Olympic sports, ranking third in the medal table. The section also acknowledges the origin of the Paralympic Games at Stoke Mandeville hospital, emphasizing the importance of sports in promoting rehabilitation and exercise for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, it highlights the achievements of notable British sports figures across various disciplines, from Sir Roger Bannister's record-breaking mile run to Andy Murray's historic tennis victory.
Arts and culture
This section delves into the vibrant realm of arts and culture in the UK. It begins by celebrating the significance of music in British culture, spanning classical compositions to contemporary pop hits. The Proms, an esteemed eight-week summer season of classical orchestral music held in venues like the Royal Albert Hall, remains a cherished tradition since its inception by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in 1927. Classical music, deeply rooted in the UK, has been enriched by luminaries such as Henry Purcell and George Frederick Handel, whose timeless works like the Water Music and Messiah continue to resonate with audiences.
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Transitioning to the 20th century, the section acknowledges the contributions of composers like Gustav Holst, Sir Edward Elgar, and Benjamin Britten, each leaving an indelible mark on British music. It also highlights the dynamic world of popular music, with British bands such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones exerting a global influence. Major music events and festivals like Glastonbury and the Mercury Music Prize underscore the UK's vibrant music scene. In the world of theatre, London's West End, known as 'Theatreland,' shines brightly, with enduring productions like "The Mousetrap" by Dame Agatha Christie. British theatre traditions, including the beloved pantomimes, continue to captivate audiences, while the Edinburgh Festival and its renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe provide a stage for groundbreaking theatrical and comedic performances. The section closes by celebrating the enduring legacy of visual arts in the UK, from the iconic works displayed in galleries like The National Gallery to the influence of notable artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and Henry Moore.
Leisure
This section explores the diverse leisure activities that captivate people in the UK. Gardening holds a special place in many hearts, with individuals tending to their gardens or allotments, nurturing everything from fruits and vegetables to vibrant flowers. Gardens like Kew Gardens, Sissinghurst, and Crathes Castle, among others, offer enchanting experiences for enthusiasts. Additionally, shopping is a cherished pastime, with bustling town centres and modern shopping centres serving as hubs for retail therapy. The UK's rich culinary heritage encourages people to indulge in cooking and sharing meals, celebrating traditional dishes like roast beef in England, Welsh cakes in Wales, haggis in Scotland, and the Ulster fry in Northern Ireland.
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The UK's profound impact on the world of cinema is also acknowledged, with a legacy dating back to the earliest days of film screenings. British film-makers, actors, and studios have left an indelible mark on the global cinematic landscape, with iconic figures like Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, and more recently, Colin Firth and Kate Winslet, earning international acclaim. Comedy and satire have been pivotal in British entertainment, from medieval jesters to the satirical magazine Punch and modern TV comedies. Television and radio play a central role in daily life, with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) being the world's largest state-funded media organization. Social networking, pubs, nightclubs, and betting establishments provide diverse avenues for socializing and entertainment. Pet ownership is also a common leisure pursuit, with laws in place to ensure the welfare of animals.
Places of interest
This section explores the myriad places of interest scattered across the UK. The countryside beckons with an extensive network of public footpaths, making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, and hill walking. There are also 15 national parks in England, Wales, and Scotland, inviting visitors to explore protected landscapes where people live, work, and care for the environment. Museums abound, from local community collections to grand national and civic establishments, offering diverse cultural experiences. Throughout the UK, iconic landmarks grace towns, cities, and the countryside, often open to the public for viewing.
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The National Trust for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, along with the National Trust for Scotland, plays a crucial role in preserving the UK's natural and architectural heritage. Founded in 1895 by three volunteers, these charities rely on a vast network of over 61,000 volunteers to maintain and protect important buildings, coastlines, and countryside. Among the notable landmarks, Big Ben, a historic clock at the Houses of Parliament in London, captivates tourists with its timeless charm. The Eden Project in Cornwall showcases diverse plant species in giant greenhouses and undertakes global environmental and social initiatives. Edinburgh's imposing Castle, managed by Historic Scotland, boasts a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. On the northern coast of Northern Ireland, the Giant's Causeway showcases astonishing volcanic lava columns, shrouded in legends of their creation. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in Scotland encompass the largest freshwater expanse in mainland Britain. The London Eye, a towering Ferris wheel on the River Thames, remains a prominent fixture in New Year celebrations. Snowdonia National Park in North Wales boasts the towering peak of Snowdon, the country's highest mountain. Finally, the Tower of London, built by William the Conqueror in 1066, offers guided tours by Yeoman Warders, providing insights into its rich history and housing the Crown Jewels. In the Lake District, England's largest national park, visitors revel in its lakes and mountains, with Windermere being the largest stretch of water, and Wastwater crowned as Britain's favorite view in 2007.
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