Politics and Economy
What is the national currency?
The British Pound Sterling (£), and is often called the pound.
What are common ingredients used in the country’s cuisine?
Potatoes, meat (beef, lamb), peas, carrots, onions, gravy, bread, and cheese.
What is the climate like throughout the year?
Mild and temperate, with cool winters and warm (not hot) summers.
Rain is common all year round.
What are the most well-known myths and legends in the country?
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
Robin Hood, who stole from the rich to give to the poor
St. George and the Dragon
What type of government does the country have?
The King or Queen is the head of state, but decisions are made by elected politicians.
What are the traditional clothing styles for men, women, and children?
- Men: Tailcoats, waistcoats, or flat caps
- Women: Long dresses or bonnets (in historical contexts)
- Children: Simple frocks or suits in historical styles
Where is the country located on the world map?
England is in northwestern Europe, part of the island of Great Britain, which lies to the northwest of France, across the English Channel.
What are the major holidays and festivals celebrated?
Christmas (December 25)
Easter
Bonfire Night (November 5)
New Year’s Eve
The Queen’s/King’s Birthday
Who is the current leader of the country?
Since September 2022:
- King Charles III is the monarch.
And since July 2024:
- Keir Starmer is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
How do traditional outfits differ for special occasions?
Weddings: Men wear suits or tuxedos, women wear elegant dresses or hats.
Ceremonies: Royal or military events may include kilts (from Scotland), medals, or formal gowns.
Morris dancing: Performers wear white shirts, bell pads, and ribbons
What are the dominant religions practiced in the country?
Christianity is the main religion, especially Anglicanism (Church of England)
Other religions include Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism
What are some traditional customs or cultural practices?
Afternoon tea with small cakes and sandwiches
Queueing (standing in line) is a polite social rule
Saying “please” and “thank you” is very important
What are the country’s main industries and exports?
Main industries include:
- Finance and banking
- Manufacturing (cars, aircraft, machinery)
- Technology
Main exports include: Cars, medicines, electronics, and beverages like whisky.
What are the most popular traditional dishes?
Fish and chips
Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding
Shepherd’s pie
Full English breakfast
Afternoon tea (with scones and sandwiches)
What are the main geographical features?
Mountains: The Pennines, Lake District mountains (like Scafell Pike)
Rivers: The Thames, Severn, and Trent
Forests: Sherwood Forest is one of the most famous
Hills and coastal cliffs, like the White Cliffs of Dover
What is considered polite or impolite in this culture?
Polite:
Saying “excuse me,” “sorry,” and “thank you” often
Respecting personal space
Being on time
Impolite:
Jumping the queue
Talking loudly in public
Not making eye contact during a conversation
Are there any food-related traditions or taboos?
Afternoon tea is a cultural tradition.
There's no major food taboo, but some people avoid meat on Fridays for religious reasons.
How do religious beliefs influence daily life and traditions?
Public holidays like Christmas and Easter are Christian-based.
Many schools offer religious education, and churches still play a role in weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
What are popular sports and hobbies?
Soccer is the most popular sport
Cricket, rugby, tennis, and golf are also big
Reading, gardening, going to the theatre, and watching TV are common hobbies