Great Britain is the largest island in the British Isles, encompassing the countries of England, Scotland, and Wales. It does not include Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom but lies on the separate island of Ireland. Here are some key points about Great Britain:
History
- Prehistoric Era: The earliest known human presence on the island dates back to around 800,000 years ago, with significant findings in places like Boxgrove.
- Roman Britain: From AD 43 to the early 5th century, Great Britain was part of the Roman Empire. Notable structures from this period include Hadrian's Wall.
- Anglo-Saxon and Viking Invasions: After the Roman withdrawal, various Germanic tribes like the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes began to settle, followed by Viking incursions in the 8th and 9th centuries.
- Norman Conquest: In 1066, William the Conqueror defeated the Anglo-Saxon King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings, leading to the establishment of Norman rule.
- Union of the Crowns: In 1603, James VI of Scotland became James I of England, uniting the crowns of England and Scotland, although the countries remained separate entities.
- Acts of Union: The Acts of Union 1707 officially united England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain. Later, in 1801, the Act of Union 1800 added Ireland, creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
Geography
- Size: Great Britain covers an area of approximately 88,745 square miles (229,848 square kilometers).
- Landscape: The island features diverse landscapes from the flatlands of the east, the rolling hills of the south, to the rugged mountains and highlands of Scotland.
- Coastline: The coastline is extensive, with numerous bays, inlets, and cliffs, including famous landmarks like White Cliffs of Dover.
Culture and Society
- Language: English is the predominant language, with Welsh in Wales, Scottish Gaelic in Scotland, and Cornish in Cornwall also recognized.
- Religion: Christianity has been the major religion historically, though the practice has significantly declined. The Church of England is the established church in England, while Scotland has its own Presbyterian Church.
- Heritage: The island is rich in cultural heritage, with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Stonehenge, Westminster Abbey, and Edinburgh Old and New Towns.
Economy
- Industry: Historically, Great Britain was a leader in the Industrial Revolution, with significant advancements in textiles, iron, and coal mining.
- Modern Economy: Today, the economy is diverse, with services like finance, insurance, and business services playing a major role, alongside tourism, manufacturing, and technology sectors.
Politics
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