PEOPLE
The United Kingdom's population in 2004 surpassed 60 million--the third-largest in the European Union. Its overall population density is one of the highest in the world. Almost one-third of the population lives in England's prosperous and fertile southeast and is predominantly urban and suburban--with about 7.2 million in the capital of London, which remains the largest city in Europe. The United Kingdom's high literacy rate (99%) is attributable to universal public education introduced for the primary level in 1870 and secondary level in 1900. Education is mandatory from ages 5 through 16. About one-fifth of British students go on to post-secondary education. The Church of England and the Church of Scotland are the official churches in their respective parts of the country, but most religions found in the world are represented in the United Kingdom.
A
group of islands close to continental Europe, the British Isles
have been subject to many invasions and migrations, especially
from Scandinavia and the continent, including Roman occupation
for several centuries. Contemporary Britons are descended mainly
from the varied ethnic stocks that settled there before the 11th
century. The pre-Celtic, Celtic, Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norse
influences were blended in Britain under the Normans, Scandinavian
Vikings who had lived in Northern France. Although Celtic languages
persist in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the predominant
language is English, which is primarily a blend of Anglo-Saxon
and Norman French.
Nationality: Noun--Briton(s). Adjective--British.
Population (2008 est.): 60.9 million.
Annual population growth rate (2008 est.): 0.276%.
Major ethnic groups: British, Irish, West Indian, South Asian.
Major religions: Church of England (Anglican), Roman Catholic, Church of Scotland (Presbyterian), Muslim.
Major languages: English, Welsh, Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic.
Education: Years compulsory--12. Attendance--nearly 100%. Literacy--99%.
Health: Infant mortality rate (2008 est.)--4.93/1,000. Life expectancy (2008 est.)--males 76.37 years; females 81.46 years; total 78.85 years.
Work force (2008, 29.59 million): Services--80.4%; industry--18.2%; agriculture--1.4%.
