The British Isles

THE BRITISH ISLES

THE UNITED KINGDOM

·  Is about the size of the state of Oregon

·  Is made up of four separate regions

·  1. Wales 2. Ireland 3.Scotland 4. England

THE ECONOMY

·  Over 250 years ago, they started the Industrial Revolution. They are still a world leader in industry and trading.

·  Exports – Manufactured goods and machinery, as well as, computer and electronics are major exports.

·  Imports – They must bring in natural resources and over 1/3 of all of their food.

THE GOVERNMENT pg. 175

·  Parliamentary Democracy

·  How does it work? Voters elect representatives to the Parliament

·  What do they call their two houses?

House of Commons/ House of Lords

·  How do they elect their leader, and what do they call him/her?

The political party with the largest # people in the HoC selects the

Prime Minister.

·  1. House of Commons - elected by the people.

·  2. House of Lords - inherited title or given titles by the Queen.

·  The United Kingdom is also a Constitutional Monarchy.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

·  60 million people

·  7 million live in London

·  They speak English, Welsh and Scottish Gaelic.

·  Most are Protestant Christians

·  90% of the people live in cities.

THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Also known as The Emerald Isle

THE ECONOMY

·  Potatoes, barley, wheat, sugar, beets, & turnips are all major crops.

·  Manufacturing is a major provider for the economy and employs most people.

NORTHERN IRELAND

·  Southern countries won independence from Britain in 1921.

·  Northern countries were home to many British protestants that remained loyal to the United Kingdom.

THE PEOPLE

·  A Celtic Past – Settled there in 500 B.C.

·  Speak Celtic & English

·  58% live in cities

·  1/3 live in Dublin which is the capital.

·  Irish dance and music are still performed around the world today.