Country Background
Great Britain is a subsection of a bigger country called the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom includes Wales, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland, an area in the northwest corner of the island of Ireland.

Great Britain used to be a huge power, with many colonies in its possession. The possessions that comprised the British Empire helped ensure Britain stable political and economic strength. Over time that strength has decreased, as colonies like Jamaica and Australia became independent nations. There remain some British dependencies, such as Gibraltar.

Geographically, the English Channel separates the United Kingdom from continental Europe. In 1926, an American Olympic medalist became the first woman to swim across the channel. Today, it is much easier to cross the channel. It is possible to take a ferry, a hovercraft, a train, or even your own car to the other side of the channel. The newest way to cross is through the Channel Tunnel.

The United Kingdom is constitutional monarchy, presided over by the British monarchy. The present monarch is Queen Elizabeth II, who acts as head of state. A cabinet of senior officials actually governs the country according to a parliamentary system, headed by a prime minister. The Houses of Parliament, the seat of the British government, are in London at the Palace of Westminster. One of the towers on the Palace of Westminster boasts the well-known clock referred to as Big Ben. As the capital city of England, London is important politically, economically, and culturally.

Britain joined the European Union in 1973 when it was known as the European Economic Community. As a member of the European Union, Britain can trade goods and skills freely with other members of the Union.

Related Links

There is a lot more to learn about Great Britain!

Explore these sites for facts and figures about England: • About Britain • Atlapedia Online: United Kingdom • CIA World Factbook: United Kingdom • Discovery School A-Z Geography: Great Britain • Information Please: England • On the Line Virtual Journey: United Kingdom • UtahLINK Field trip: Great Britain London has many wonderful museums. View some of the collections from the Museum of London, the National Gallery, and the Natural History Museum. Use the Camelot site to visit the Tower of London. Draw the Union Jack accurately with instructions from JDAWiseman.com. Let the History of London's Firefighters site tell you about the Great Fire of London that very nearly razed the city in 1666. Learn about Guy Falkes and the history behind the celebration of Bonfire Night held annually on November 5. Access fast facts about important events that happened during the Summer Olympic Games in London in 1908 or in 1948. Let Outside Online Guests introduce you to Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, a British Olympic ski jumper. Let Atlapedia's "Click-A-Map" show you physical and political maps of the United Kingdom.

More Countries (past hosts of Olympic Games)

Japan United States Norway Spain Canada South Korea Bosnia Russia Austria

Germany France Mexico Italy Finland Switzerland Great Britain Netherlands

Not every participating country has had the honor of hosting the Olympic Games. To learn more about countries represented at the Olympics, browse the following sites.

3-D Atlas Discovery School A-Z Geography National Geographic Sydney 2000: Countries USA TODAY Parade of Nations