Geography, population and language
The UK is in north-west 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 — about 870 miles (approximately 1,400 kilometres).
Most people live in towns and cities, but much of Britain is still countryside.
The currency is the pound sterling (£). There are 100 pence in a pound. Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own banknotes, which are valid everywhere in the UK, although shops do not have to accept them.
English has many accents and dialects. In Wales many people speak Welsh, which is taught in schools. In Scotland, Gaelic is spoken in some parts of the Highlands and Islands, and in Northern Ireland some people speak Irish Gaelic.
Key facts
- Mainland length: John O’Groats to Land’s End, about 870 miles / 1,400 km.
- Population share (handbook figures): England about 84%, Scotland just over 8%, Wales about 5%, Northern Ireland less than 3%.
- Population growth has been faster in recent years, partly because of migration and partly because people are living longer.
- Currency: pound sterling. Scottish and Northern Irish banknotes are valid throughout the UK.
- Welsh is spoken in Wales; Gaelic in parts of Scotland; Irish Gaelic by some people in Northern Ireland.
Memory tips
- “J to L” — John O’Groats (top) to Land’s End (bottom): 870 miles.
Practice questions
1. Is the following statement true or false? “Banknotes from Scotland and Northern Ireland are valid everywhere in the UK.”
- True
- False
Show answer
True. They are valid everywhere in the UK, although shops and businesses do not have to accept them.
2. What is the longest distance on the UK mainland?
- London to Edinburgh
- John O’Groats to Land’s End
- Cardiff to Belfast
- Dover to Glasgow
Show answer
John O’Groats (north coast of Scotland) to Land’s End (south-west England) is about 870 miles (about 1,400 km).
3. Which part of the UK has the largest share of the population?
- Scotland
- Wales
- England
- Northern Ireland
Show answer
About 84% of the UK population lives in England.
4. How many pence are there in one pound sterling?
- 10
- 50
- 100
- 1,000
Show answer
There are 100 pence in a pound.
5. Approximately how far is it from John O’Groats to Land’s End?
- 270 miles
- 570 miles
- 870 miles
- 1,270 miles
Show answer
It is about 870 miles, or approximately 1,400 kilometres.
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