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 22nd 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Merseyside » Liverpool hello! emma & isab here, writing from our couchsurfing hosts awesome apartment in central liverpool. since last writing, we stayed in seaford college for 3 nights before being politely asked to leave. ... 8 photos[full story]
July 19th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Merseyside » Liverpool A night out at Bella Roma with work colleagues and some very funny moments! Thanks to all who came along and thanks for the gifts. I especially loved the Whizz!! ... 11 photos[full story]
July 17th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Merseyside » Liverpool Still loads more to do! No packing done yet and no plans to do it yet, when it will be done who knows! Any one fancy helping to pack two rucksacks your more than welcome!!! ... [full story]
July 5th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Merseyside » Liverpool As a sort of disclaimer to my mates, this entry is in no way me 'avin' a laugh. My continued fascination with the skilled and widely varying ways in which the Brits wield the English language stems f ... 13 photos[full story]
June 24th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Merseyside » Liverpool I arrived in Liverpool yesterday afternoon and have since been completely reminded of how much I LOVE the UK. I love the people and their warm, witty sense of humor; the charming, cozy, and rustic bar ... [full story]
May 29th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Merseyside » Liverpool This morning when we got up, we discussed our game plan. We can't check into the bed and breakfast until 2, and trains leave for Brighton every half hour. We are planning on going to go see Big Ben, S ... [full story]
June 14th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Merseyside » Liverpool Kath and I spent the weekend in Liverpool.
Unfortunately we missed the last train from London that went direct to Liverpool so we had to catch a train then a bus then another train and it took almost ... [full story]
May 30th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Merseyside » Liverpool Today, I was again alone because my friend had to work. So I decided to go to Liverpool. I wanted to see so many things but especially the Beatles museum and the Cavern Club.
In front of the Train St ... [full story]
Map of United Kingdom
United Kingdom's Flag
