England

Stonehenge, Condado de Wiltshire, Inglaterra, 2014-08-12, DD 18

London - British Museum - 2453

Sutton Hoo replica (face)

King Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt

Charles II of England

England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, while the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separate it from continental Europe. Most of England comprises the central and southern part of the island of Great Britain in the North Atlantic. The country also includes over 100 smaller islands such as the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight.

History

The area now called England was first inhabited by modern humans during the Upper Paleolithic period, but takes its name from the Angles, a Germanic tribe deriving its name from the Anglia peninsula, who settled during the 5th and 6th centuries. England became a unified state in the 10th century, and since the Age of Discovery, which began during the 15th century, has had a significant cultural and legal impact on the wider world. The English language, the Anglican Church, and English law – the basis for the common law legal systems of many other countries around the world – developed in England, and the country's parliamentary system of government has been widely adopted by other nations. The Industrial Revolution began in 18th-century England, transforming its society into the world's first industrialised nation.

Geography

England's terrain is chiefly low hills and plains, especially in central and southern England. However, there are uplands in the north (for example, the mountainous Lake District, the Pennines, and the Yorkshire Dales) and in the south west (for example, Dartmoor and the Cotswolds). The capital is London, which is the largest metropolitan area in both the United Kingdom and the European Union. England's population of over 55 million comprises 84% of the population of the United Kingdom, largely concentrated around London, the South East, and conurbations in the Midlands, the North West, the Yorkshire and the Humber regions.

Government and Politics

England is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The monarch of the United Kingdom is also the monarch of England, while the Parliament of the United Kingdom exercises legislative authority. England does not have a separate government or a devolved executive or legislative assembly like Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. However, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government is the government minister responsible for local government in England.

Economy

England's economy is one of the largest and most dynamic in the world, with an average GDP per capita higher than the rest of the United Kingdom. The City of London is a major global financial centre, and England is home to many large banks and insurance companies. The economy is also diversified, with industries in aerospace, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and software development.

Culture

England has been a centre of the arts and sciences for many centuries and has contributed many notable cultural and scientific advancements. The country has a rich literary heritage that includes William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens. England is also known for its folk music, rock music, and pop music, with bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. The English cuisine is characterized by its simplicity and reliance on high-quality natural produce. Traditional dishes include fish and chips, roast beef, and Yorkshire pudding.

Sport

Sport plays an important role in English culture, and the country has given birth to several major international sports, including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, and golf. England hosts a variety of sporting events, including the Wimbledon Championships and the Premier League, and has hosted the Summer Olympics three times: London 1908, 1948, and 2012.