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.
May 9th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Surrey » Epsom Our flight from Cambodia arrived at Bangkok airport at 2pm on the 5th May, and our flight home was at 00.45am on the 6th May, so we knew that we were going to be in Bangkok airport for some hours, how ... [full story]
April 25th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Surrey » Woking Deplaning after more than eight hours squashed into a seat that didn't recline with the Toddler on my lap was a wonderful feeling. We could have landed anywhere and I'd still have been euphoric. In fa ... 10 photos[full story]
April 19th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Surrey » Guildford One day less than yesterday, but one more than tomorrow to go and the clocks are against us, as each day seems to have an hour more than the previous one, they get longer and longer and it's very di ... [full story]
April 17th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Surrey » Guildford This is a spanish-only blog for those who don't speak english to try and explain them how to get around this site...you guys are not missing anything here, really... but we hope you enjoy the pics... ... 4 photos[full story]
April 8th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Surrey » Woking Hi, trying again, need some advise but like going on this site reading about other peoples adventures. can't delete some previous things I have written and cant find some of your messages, will keep g ... [full story]
March 10th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Surrey » Farnham Well not lost exactly, some losses some plusses some just plain curious.
Friday night and the weekend starts here. Albert Lee plucking at the Half Moon in Putney! Fantastic, I feel as if I will be ... [full story]
February 2nd 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Surrey » Guildford Jason left on Wednesday, January 31, after we got back from our trip to Scotland. It was a tearful parting, but when I got back to Reading I knew I would have to move house. Little by little, I took ... 12 photos[full story]
February 3rd 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Surrey » Guildford Finally... my bag is packed... I am utterly amazed at how frustrating and time consuming it is to get such a small bag packed for 3months holiday!
I started the task at hand at 1.30pm this afternoo ... [full story]
February 1st 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Surrey Ironically the first day in 15 years when I dont have to get up for work, I am actually awake and up earlier than usual. So, I am now officially unemployed until 5th May - hurrah!
... [full story]
Map of United Kingdom
United Kingdom's Flag
