England is a country that forms part of the United Kingdom. It occupies the southern and central part of Great Britain and shares land borders with Scotland and Wales.
England's capital and largest city is London. It is the most populous country of the United Kingdom and contains many of the UK's largest cities, universities, ports and financial institutions.
Geography
England is bordered by the North Sea, English Channel, Celtic Sea and Irish Sea. Its landscapes include lowlands, uplands, river valleys, coasts, moors, farmland and major urban areas.
Important physical features include the Pennines, Lake District, River Thames, Severn, Cotswolds, South Downs and the east and south coasts.
History
England developed from Anglo-Saxon kingdoms after the end of Roman rule in Britain. The Norman Conquest of 1066 changed landholding, language, law and political structures.
England later became a major European kingdom, then part of the Kingdom of Great Britain after the Acts of Union 1707 with Scotland. It became part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1801, and later the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Government
England does not have a separate devolved parliament. Many English domestic matters are handled by the UK Parliament and UK Government, while local government is carried out by councils, combined authorities, mayors and other local bodies.
This differs from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which have devolved legislatures and governments with powers over many domestic policy areas.
Economy
England has a large and varied economy. London is a global centre for finance, law, media, technology, culture and government.
Other important economic areas include manufacturing, higher education, health, transport, creative industries, tourism, agriculture, energy and professional services. Major cities include Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, Bristol, Newcastle and Nottingham.
Culture
English culture includes literature, theatre, music, football, cricket, pubs, regional accents, universities, churches, broadcasting, comedy, food and local traditions.
England has produced writers such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, George Eliot and many others. Its sporting institutions and leagues have had major international influence.
See Also
References
Discussion log
Use comments for sourcing notes, corrections, and disputed details.
No comments yet.