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Text 1 england

E ngland is part of both Great Britain and the United Kingdom. England is the largest of the three political divisions within the island of Great Britain. Bound by Scotland to the north and Wales to the west, England is no more than 29km from France across the narrowest part of the English Channel and is now linked with the continent by a tunnel under the English Channel. It covers a total area of 130,478 sq km - 57% (per cent) of the whole island, and its capital is London. England is divided into 34 counties.

The population of England is over 50 mln people. Nearly 84% of the population of the UK lives in England, mainly in the major cities and metropolitan areas. The overall population density is one of the highest in the world.

T he national emblem of England is the Rose. Just as the United States is personified as Uncle Sam, so England often appears in caricature as either 'Britannia', a heroic female figure holding a trident (the symbol of sea power), or as 'John Bull' a good-humoured, well-fed country gentleman personifying determination and common sense. The patron saint of England is St George, whose feast is celebrated on 23 April.

E ngland's climate is mild and damp, with temperatures moderated by the light winds that blow in off its relatively warm seas. Temperatures inland don't get much below freezing in winter, or much above 30°C in summer. The north is the coldest area; London, the south-east and the West Country are the warmest. Rainfall is greatest in hilly areas and in the West Country. You can expect cloudy weather and light drizzle in any part of England at any time.

Where Britain is divided into four separate countries, England itself is made up of four quite distinctive areas - The South of England, Heart of England, East of England, and England's North Country - each offering something unique and exciting: majestic moorland and craggy peaks, lush green fields and fens, wide sandy beaches and quaint fishing villages. The south of England is mostly low-lying land, with hills and agricultural land and the north of England is mostly covered in moorland and mountains.

But England is not just countryside – there are elegant, refined and historic cities with Roman*, Georgian*, Tudor* and Victorian* influences; architectural splendors; university cities; cathedral cities and other vibrant, exciting cities with museums, art galleries, modern trendy restaurants, nightlife and some amazing theatres. Whatever quintessentially English characteristic you crave - afternoon tea, cricket on the village green, a walk along the promenade or great theatre and shopping - England has something for everyone.

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*Roman – [´rəumən] римский; романский

*Georgian – [´dƷƆ:dƷən] георгианский; времени, эпохи одного из английских королей Георгов

*Tudor – [´tju:də] тюдоровский; эпохи Тюдоров (английская королевская династия 15-17 вв.)

*Victorian – [vik´tƆ:riən] викторианский (относящийся к эпохе правления королевы Виктории, 1837-1901 гг.)

!!! Read more interesting information about England (‘What is England famous for…’) in Unit 14. Supplements.

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