Background: Great Britain, the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century, played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously depleted in two World Wars. The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, a founding member of NATO, and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy; it currently is weighing the degree of its integration with continental Europe. A member of the EU, it chose to remain outside the Economic and Monetary Union for the time being. Constitutional reform is also a significant issue in the UK. The Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly were established in 1999, but the latter is suspended due to bickering over the peace process.
July 9th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Cumbria » Kendal So now we're sitting in the Kendal Library waiting for the train tonight. Had a huge breakfast this moring at the YHA (it was included in the price), shopped a bit and basically lounged around (at co ... [full story]
July 8th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Cumbria » Kendal After a bit of a discussion this morning, we've decided that we'd had enough and needed a break from cycling, and we needed some sunshine.
As Christie described it, riding has just become a chore ... [full story]
March 14th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Cumbria » Kendal Friday 14 March - Left home early to drive up to one of our favourite hiking destinations, the beautiful and delighful Lake District. On reaching the Lakes we were welcomed with wonderful snowy mounta ... 31 photos[full story]
Map of United Kingdom
United Kingdom's Flag
