What are the typical characteristics of the nation and its people?

Britain is the country of traditions. The English have a serene sense of superiority, a deep sense of security and belief in their national successes.

The best-known quality of the English is reserve. They do not talk very much to strangers, do not show emotions. The other characteristic is English modesty.

The English surnames: Charles Baker (connected with a person’s job), e.g. Jack Long (connected with the size), Robin Williamson (with a family relationship: son of William).

The Welsh surnames: Geoffrey Jone (from Chisrian name John). Gary Pritchard (putting «p» at the beginning: from Richardson).

Irish surnames: O’Brien, Fitzwilliam, MacMahon, Kilmartin, Gilmurray (beginning with «O» – «from the family of», «Fitz», «Mac», «Kil», «Gil» – from «son of»).

What is national currency?

The currency of the UK is the pound sterling (symbol ₤, code GBP), commonly called the pound. It is subdivided into 100 pence (one – a penny). Sterling is the third- largest reserve currency after the US dollar and the euro.

What system of weights and measures is used?

The metric system is in official use withim the United Kingdom; however, use of imperial unit is widespread in many cases.

Sources

1. Harvey, Paul; Jones, Phodri. Britain Explored. – Longman, 2002. – 176 p.

2. Vaughan-Rees; Michael; Bystrom, Peter; Bateman, Steve. In Britain. – Chancerel International Publishers. Лицензионное издание: издательство «Титул», 1997. – 119 p.

3. О Британии вкратце. Книга для чтения на английском языке / Сост. В.В. Ощенкова, Ш. И. Шустилова. – М.: «Лист», 1997. – 224 с.

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