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England is looking forward into the new century while trying
to forget many of the developments of the previous 100 years.
That period witnessed the fall of the empire, the loss of
the trading base and the nation's inability to adjust to a
diminished role in the modern world - from colonial empire
to member of the EC. But while the Family may have taken a
right Royal battering, many of the other august institutions
at the cornerstone of British life have muddled their way
through with a stiff upper lip and a strong sense of protocol.
The
notion of England as a gentle, fabled land freeze-framed sometime
in the 1930s, when community life revolved around the post
office, the country pub and the local vicarage. The country
is now better known for vibrant cities with great nightlife
and attractions, contrasted with green and pleasant countryside
and national parks. After five years of Tony Blair's Labour
government, 'new' Britain is a country with a fresh and cuddly
Royal family and an alternative aristocracy of media stars
like Victoria and David Beckham to capture the ire and adoration
of the masses. Still, a country that gives a wig-wearing ex-junkie
balladeer a knighthood must be doing something right.
GDP:
US$1254 billion
GDP per head: US$22,800
Annual growth: 1.7%
Inflation: 2.7%
Major industries: Banking and finance, steel, transport equipment,
oil and gas, coal, tourism
Major trading partners: EU (Germany, France, Netherlands,
Ireland) & USA
Member of EU: yes
Euro zone participant: no
Area:
129,720 sq km (50,085 sq mi)
Population: 51 million
Capital city: London
People: Anglo-Saxons, Scots, Welsh, Irish, West Indians, Pakistanis,
Indians
Language: English
Religion: Church of England, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic,
Muslim, Hindu and Sikh
Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II
Prime Minister: Tony Blair
Great
Britain Flight from UK
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