Life in The UK英文版讲义Chapter 4 - A modern, thriving society

Chapter 4: A modern, thriving societyThe UK TodayThe UK today is a more diverse society than it was

Chapter 4: Amodern, thriving society The UK Today The UK today is amore diverse society than it was 100 years ago, in both ethnic and religious terms. Post-war integration means that nearly 10% of the population has aparent or grandparent born outside of the UK. The UK continues to be a multinational and multiracial society with arich and varied culture. This section will tell you about the different parts of the UK and some of the important places. It will also explain some of the UK’s traditions and customs and some of the popular activities that take place. The nations of the UK The UK is located in the north west of Europe. The longest distance on the mainland is from John O’Groats on the north coast of Scotland to Land’s End in the south-west corner of England. It is about 870 miles (approximately 1,400 kilometres). Most people live in towns and cities but much of Britain is still countryside. Many people continue to visit the countryside for holidays and for leisure activities such as walking, camping and fishing. [Map] UK currency The currency in the UK is the pound sterling (symbol $). There are 100 pence in apound. The denominations (values) of currency are coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, 1and 2 notes: 5, 10, 20, 50 Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own banknotes, which are valid everywhere in the UK. However, shops and businesses do not have to accept them. Languages and dialects There are many variations in language in the different parts of the UK. The English language has many accents and dialects. In Wales, many people speak Welsh –a completely different language from English –and it is taught in schools and universities. In Scotland, Gaelic (again, adifferent language) is spoken in some parts of the Highlands and Islands, and in Northern Ireland some people speak Irish Gaelic. Population