symbols of the uk presentation

• The United Kingdom

Flags, Symbols & Currency of United Kingdom

The National Flag of the United Kingdom was officially adopted on January 1, 1801.

The National Flag of the United Kingdom (Union Jack) features a blue background with the centered red cross edged in white. This is superimposed on the diagonal white cross on the blue background; which is again further superimposed on the diagonal x-shaped red saltire. In short, the Union Flag is a composite of St. George's Cross of England (the centered red cross bordered in white); St. Andrew's Cross of Scotland (the diagonal white cross on the blue field), and Saint Patrick’s Cross of Ireland (diagonal x-shaped red saltire). The flag has a width-to-length proportion ratio of 1:2.

History of the flag of the UK

The Scottish and the English crowns were united on March 24, 1603, when James VI of Scotland became the King of Britain and was renamed James I. In 1606, it was decreed by a royal proclamation by James I, that a single flag would be used to represent the whole United Kingdom. The first flags of Great Britain were hence flown during the rule of James I and Charles I during 1603-1649. The flag used during this period displayed the red cross of England (St. George’s Cross) that was superimposed on the white cross of Scotland (St. Andrew’s Cross) on a blue background. From 1649-1660, during the Commonwealth and the Protectorate period, the Irish harp was inducted into the flag. However, this flag was modified and subsequently, the original flag was restored in 1660, during the restoration of Charles II on the throne. The Act of the Union in 1800 enabled the two kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland to join together. In 1801, the St. Patrick’s Cross was incorporated into the flag and the modern Union Jack was officially adopted as the Flag of the United Kingdom on January 1, 1801. The Union Jack has been the basis for several other flags including the flags of other Commonwealth countries and their constituent states or provinces, and the flags of British Overseas Territories.

Historical and Other Flags of the UK

Flag of england.

Flag of Northern Ireland

Flag of Scotland

Flag of Wales

Symbols of United Kingdom

United kingdom royal coat of arms.

The Coat of Arms is used by the Queen or King in their official capacity as monarch, and are officially known as the Arms of Dominion.The United Kingdom Royal Coat of Arms consists of a shield divided into four quadrants. One of the quadrants contains the guardant lions of England. Two of the quadrants contain the rampant lion of Scotland. The final quadrant contains a harp which represents Northern Ireland. The shield is surrounded by a garter bearing the motto: Honi soit qui mal y pense (“Evil to him who evil thinks”). The garter symbolizes the Order of Garter that is an ancient order of knighthood of which the Queen is the sovereign. Supporting the shield are a crowned lion and a unicorn. The crowned lion represents England and the unicorn represents Scotland. The crowned lion also crowns the Coat of Arms that is surmounted by the Royal Crown. Below the crown is displayed the national motto: Dieu et mon Droit (“God and my right”). Displayed beneath the shield are rose, thistle, and shamrock – the plant badges of the United Kingdom.

National Motto

"Dieu et mon droit" ("God and my right").

National Anthem

• Anthem Title: "God Save the Queen"
• Music Composer: Unknown
• Lyricist: Unknown
• Date of Adoption: September 1745

"God Save the Queen" is the official national anthem of the United Kingdom. It also serves as the national and royal anthems in all Commnowealth realms, overseas territories of UK and the British Crown dependencies. The music composer and lyricist of the anthem are however unknown. The anthem has been in use since September 1745.  The first verse out of the two verses are generally sung for official occasions. 

"God Save the Queen"

God save our gracious Queen!

Long live our noble Queen!

God save the Queen!

Send her victorious,

Happy and glorious,

Long to reign over us,

God save the Queen.

Thy choicest gifts in store

On her be pleased to pour,

Long may she reign.

May she defend our laws,

And ever give us cause,

To sing with heart and voice,

The Currency of United Kingdom is the Pound sterling 

The current official currency of the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (£, GBP). GBP is an abbreviation of "Great Britain Pound." It is the world's oldest currency which is still in use.

The pound sterling is a decimal currency, meaning its sub-units are based on a factor of 10. One-pound Sterling has 100 pence (symbol: p).

The common coin denominations are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2. Britons tend to speak “pee” instead of pence, like "20 pee" for a 20p coin. A pound is also referred to as a “quid”. A five-pound note is colloquially called a “fiver,” while the ten-pound note is known as a “tenner”.  £1 and £2 coins feature different portraits of Queen Elizabeth II.

The common denominations of UK’s banknotes are £5, £10, £20, and £50. The current £5 banknote features an image of Sir Winston Churchill, a Nobel laureate and the UK’s prime minister during World War II. It also features Queen Elizabeth II – the reigning monarch on the other side. The £20 note has Adam Smith, and the £50 note features Matthew Boulton and James Watt. Charles Darwin is featured on the £10 note which has been withdrawn from circulation in March 2008.

The Bank of England is the central bank of the UK. It is also known as the “Old Lady” of Threadneedle Street. The bank is responsible for designing and printing the banknotes. It has started switching from traditional paper notes to polymer banknotes. On September 13, 2016, the Bank of England issued its first £5 note made of a polymer substance. The polymer £5 note features Sir Winston Churchill. The polymer £10 note is planned to be released on September 14, 2017, and will feature novelist Jane Austen. The new polymer £20 notes are planned to be issued in 2020 that features JMW Turner.

The Bank of England has two very large denomination notes called “Giant” and “Titan”. They are worth £1 million and £100 million, respectively. These notes are not in circulation, instead, their purpose is to enable authorized banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland to hold equivalent values in Bank of England notes. 

Pound sterling Banknote

Pound sterling Coin

Historical Currencies of the United Kingdom

Different historic sources indicate that the pound was already in circulation during the Anglo-Saxon period. The Tealby penny was circulated during the medieval period and was used as the standard currency unit until most of the 20 th century. The sterling silver coins were introduced in 1552. The gold coins were introduced in 1663 and were used to export goods, making Britain a gold standard country. The establishment of the bank of England led to the issuance of the first paper money in 1694. The gold standard was adopted again in 1861. During WWI, the gold standard was abandoned and the treasury paper notes were used as the official currency. The Pound was then pegged to US Dollar and in the latter part of the 1940s, it became a part of the Bretton Woods System. Before decimalization in February 1971, the pound sterling had sub-units of shillings and pence (12 pence = 1 shilling and 20 shillings = 1 pound). The penny also had subdivisions named “halfpennies” and “farthings,” which were worth half and a quarter of the penny, respectively.

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The Rich Symbols of the UK: Flags, Dragons, and Lions

Table of Contents

The national flag of the united kingdom, the coat of arms, uk symbols: scotland, uk symbols: wales, uk symbols: ireland, uk symbols: england.

The United Kingdom is a sovereign state consisting of the island of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland . Each of these four individual countries have their own national flags and symbols, some more obscure than others.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some official symbols of each of these countries, starting with the national flag of Great Britain which represents the entire UK.

This is also known as the King’s Colors, the British Flag, the Union Flag, and the Union Jack . The original design was created and used from 1707 to 1801 on the ships sailing the high seas. During this time it was named the national flag of the United Kingdom. The original flag consisted of two crosses: the Saltire of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, with the red cross of St. George (patron saint of England) superimposed on it.

In 1801, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was created, and the official use of this flag was discontinued. The design was then altered, with St. Patrick’s flag added to it and thus the present-day Union Flag was born. Although Wales is also a part of the United Kingdom, there is no symbol that represents it on the British flag.

The coat of arms of the United Kingdom serves as a basis for the official flag of the monarch, known as the Royal Standard. An English lion is featured on the left side of a center shield and on the right is the Unicorn of Scotland, both animals holding it up.

The shield is divided into four quadrants, two with three gold lions from England, a red lion rampant representing Scotland and the gold harp representing Ireland. The crown can also be seen resting on the shield and its crest, helm and mantling isn’t quite visible. At the bottom is the phrase ‘Dieu et mon Droit’ which in French means ‘God and my right’.

The complete version of the coat of arms is only used by the Queen who has a separate version of it for use in Scotland, giving the elements of Scotland the pride of place.

The national symbols of Scotland have many legends and myths surrounding them. One of the most iconic Scottish symbols is the thistle, which is seen almost everywhere adorning banknotes, whiskey glasses, broadswords and is even found on the tombstone of Mary Queen of Scots. It’s said that the thistle was chosen as the national flower of Scotland after it helped the Scots drive the Norse army from their lands.

The national flag of Scotland, known as the Saltire, consists of a huge white cross superimposed on a blue field, the same shape as the cross on which St. Andrews was crucified. It’s said to be one of the oldest flags in the world, dating as far back to the 12 th century.

The Lion Rampant is the royal banner of Scotland, first used by Alexander II as a royal emblem of the country. A red lion defacing a yellow background, the banner represents Scotland’s history and legally belongs to the Royal Family.

The Unicorn is another official symbol of Scotland commonly seen everywhere in the country, especially wherever there’s a mercat cross. It symbolizes innocence, purity, power and masculinity and is also featured on the Scottish coat of arms.

The history of Wales is unique and can be seen clearly in their national symbols. Like Scotland, Wales too has a mythical creature as its national animal. Adopted in the 5 th century, the Red Dragon is featured on a background of white and green, an important element on the national flag of the country. It symbolizes the power and authority of Welsh kings and is a well-known flag that’s flow from all the government buildings in Wales.

Another symbol associated with Wales is the leek – the vegetable. In the past, leeks were used for medicinal purposes including strengthening immunity and easing pain of childbirth but it was most helpful on the battlefield. The Welsh soldiers each wore a leek in their helmets so that they could easily identify each other. After gaining victory, it became a national symbol of Wales.

The Daffodil flower first became associated with Wales in the 19 th century and later in the early 20 th century it became increasingly popular especially among women. In 1911, the Welsh prime minister, David George, wore the daffodil on St. David’s day and also used it in ceremonies after which it became an official symbol of the country.

Wales has many natural symbols that hint at its beautiful landscapes, flora and fauna. One such symbol is the Sessile oak, a huge, deciduous tree which grows up to 40 m tall and is an unofficial emblem of Wales. This tree is revered by the Welsh due to its economic and ecological importance. Its timber is used for buildings, furniture and ships and is said to give a particular flavour to wine and certain spirits. This is one of the main reasons why it’s commonly used for cask- and barrel-making as well.   

Ireland is a country rich in culture and history with several unique symbols that are quite well known around the world.  As far as Irish symbols are concerned, the shamrock a clover-like plant with three lobed leaves, is likely one of the most prolific. It became the country’s national plant in 1726 and has continued to be ever since.

Before the shamrock became the national symbol of Ireland, it was known as the symbol of St. Patrick. According to the legends and myths, after St. Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland, he would tell stories to the pagans about the Holy Trinity using the 3 leaves of the Shamrock, each one representing the ‘Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’.  As Irishmen began to use the shamrock as their unofficial emblem, its green color became known as ‘Irish green’ to distinguish itself from the blue of the old Ireland ruled by Britain.

Another lesser-known symbol of Ireland is the Red Hand on the flag of Ulster, red in color and opened with fingers pointing upward and palm facing forwards. Legend has it that any man who was the first to place his hand on the soil of Ulster would have rights to claim the land and as a result, thousands of warriors began rushing to be the first to do so. A clever warrior in the back of the group cut off his own hand, throwing it over everyone else and it landed on the soil automatically giving him the rights to the land. Macabre – yes, but interesting, nevertheless.

A national symbol of Ireland, the Irish harp has an association with the people of Ireland that goes back to the 1500s. It was chosen by Henry VIII as the national symbol of the country and signifies power and authority of Kings. Though it’s not very well known as an unofficial symbol of Ireland, it’s actually one of the most important symbols in the Irish culture.

The leprechaun is one of the most famous Irish symbols in the world, known for hoarding gold and bringing luck to anyone who catches them. It looks like a little old man with a cocked hat and leather apron and is also known to be extremely grumpy. According to the stories, catching a leprechaun means you get three wishes, just like the genie in Aladdin.

While Wales and Scotland both have mythical creatures as the national symbols sported on their flags along with vegetables or flowers, England’s symbols are quite different and their origin is clear and easy to understand.  

In England, the House of Lancaster and the House of York both have roses as their national emblems, the Tudor Rose and the White Rose respectively. From 1455-1485, when the Civil War broke out, it became famous as the ‘War of the Roses’ since it was between the two houses. Later, the houses were unified when Henry VII became the King who married Elizabeth of York. He placed the white rose from the House of York in the red rose of the House of Lancaster and thus, the Tudor Rose (now known as the ‘Flower of England’) was created.

Throughout the history of England, lions have traditionally symbolized nobility, strength, royalty, power and valour and have been used on the heraldic arms for many years. They portrayed how the English Kings wished to be seen: as strong and fearless. The most well-known example would be Richard I of England, also known as ‘Richard the Lionheart’, who became famous for his many victories on the battlefield.  

During the 12 th century (the time of the Crusades), the Three Lions Crest, featuring three yellow lions on a red shield, was an extremely powerful symbol of the English Throne.  Henry I, also known as the ‘Lion of England’ used the image of a lion on one of his banners as a way of motivating and inspiring his troops as they went forward into battle. He married Adeliza of Louvain, commemorating the event by adding another lion (from Adeliza’s family crest) to the banner. In 1154, Henry II married Eleanor of Aquitaine and she, too, had a lion on her crest which was added to the symbol. The image of the shield with three lions is now an important symbol in English heraldry.

In 1847, the double-decker bus became an iconic symbol of England, dominating English transport for centuries. Designed by London Transport with a traditional and ultra-modern touch, the bus first went into service in 1956. In 2005, the double decker buses were taken out of service but there was a public outcry since the Londoners felt that they’d lost a valuable official icon. Now, the red double-decker is often converted into camping homes, mobile cafes and even into holiday homes instead of being used for regular transport service.

The last English symbol on our list is the London Eye, also called the Millennium Wheel, located on Southbank, London. It’s the largest observation wheel in the world and the most popular tourist attraction in the UK. The wheel has 32 capsules which symbolize the 32 boroughs of London. However, they’re numbered from 1 to 33, with the thirteenth carriage eliminated for good luck. Built for the millennium celebration, the wheel is now a permanent fixture on the skyline of London and remains one of the most modern symbols of the city today.

Wrapping Up

The United Kingdom is a large area, comprising of four distinct nations. Because of this, the symbols of the UK are diverse, reflecting the individual nature of each country. Together, they symbolize the long and rich history and cultural heritage of the UK.

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Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and has also studied Political Science, Ancient History and Literature. She has a wide range of interests ranging from ancient cultures and mythology to Harry Potter and gardening. She works as the chief editor of Symbol Sage but also takes the time to write on topics that interest her.

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Symbols of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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National SYMBOLS

Where do Britain's national symbols come from?

National Symbols of Wales

Britain is a confusing place for us Brits, so it must be even more confusing for foreigners. We have national football teams of England, Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland. Yet our Olympic and Davis Cup team represents Great Britain. Northern Irish born rugby players play for an all Ireland team. With the team running out to both the Irish flag and the Ulster flag. And the England cricket board is actually the England and Wales cricket board. Where Welsh players play under the English flag.

But the British national symbols that these sportsmen and women wear on their chests could be said to forge a national identity. And were in fact decided on to try and define identity. They meld design, history and culture into an image of a nation.

Their stories are the stuff of legend and myth. And as with anything from times yore are fraught with confusion as to where they officially began. But who ever let fact get in the way of a good story. So forgive our research if it is slightly off in places.

Let’s start our journey exploring these British national symbols with Wales.

Wales had been annexed in 1282 by England thus became part of the United Kingdom when the Scottish and English thrones became one. But the Welsh history is unique and their national symbols certainly compound that. The traditional national animal is the Red Dragon a symbol that resplendently adorns the Welsh flag.

But why a mythical creature as your national animal? The story goes that Vortigern a Celtic King needed a spot to build a new castle. He found a spot ideal in Snowdonia. But one day a young boy appeared and warned him that he shouldn’t build it where he wanted to. The boy claimed that there was an underground lake with two sleeping dragons below. This young boy was thought to be a young wizard named Merlin. Vortigern ignored the boy and as his men dug they came across two dragons fighting. Spellbound they watched as the red dragon defeated the white dragon. This is now said to represent Vortigern’s people and then the Welsh.

Although it is now a symbol of Wales known the world over, during the Middle Ages it fell out of fashion. This may explain in part why it was never put on the Union Flag . Yet it now flies on all government buildings in Wales.

The other unique symbol that denotes the Welsh is the leek. A long, white and green onion. A peculiar choice you may think but the folklore of why is fascinating. So let’s peel back the layers of its history. It is believed that the leek may have been revered in ancient times as it had healing powers. Staving off the common cold. Easing pain in childbirth. And more importantly for the times, protection against wounds in battle. Luckily it is one of main ingredients in Cawl a traditional Welsh stew, so the Welsh got plenty of medicinal leek. Furthermore, if a maiden placed one under her pillow she would be able to see their future husband’s face.

But how did it become a national symbol? It is believed that St David, the patron saint of Wales , whilst fighting the invading Saxons ordered his army , to pick a leek from underfoot and put one in their caps. This was to differentiate themselves from their foes. Whether this is true is debated. But it is known that the feared and skilled Welsh archers wore the green and white during the 14th century Battle of Crecy. A nod to the colour of leeks.

And because of this the Welsh still proudly wear a leek on St David’s Day as is the tradition. Even Henry V claimed to have worn a leek in Shakespeare’s play of the same title. Exclaiming on the battle field ‘I wear a leek on St David’s Day, for I am Welsh, you know, good countryman’. Leeks are also waved as the national Rugby team take the field for exactly the same reason to show that ‘I am Welsh’. Although a more controversial aspect of the Wales Rugby team is that they use the Prince of Wales Ostrich feathers on the RFU badge. Not a leek or even a daffodil, but that is a whole other story.

Which brings use neatly to the daffodil. It is seen as a more modern national symbol of Welsh pride. But this may have just been a misunderstanding. The Welsh name for the daffodil is ‘Cenhinen Bedr’ translated into English as ‘Peter’s Leek’. And why it may have gotten mixed up and started to become more popular as a pretender to the national Welsh symbol crown.

Scottish National Symbols

The Scottish national symbols have just as much myth and legend surrounding them. The thistle being one of the iconic symbols of the Scots. It adorns so many items from banknotes to whisky glasses to broadswords and even on the tomb of Mary Queen of Scots. But how did this prickly yet pretty pink or purple flower become the national flower of Scotland ?

The story goes something like this…Scotland’s Western Isles and Hebrides were ruled by Norway up until 1266. But in 1263 King Alexander III proposed to the Norse King Haakon IV that he buy back the islands, which included Kintyre. King Haakon IV had apparently forgotten that he even owned the islands and decided that now he had been reminded he thought he would take more from Alexander III. A vast fleet of Viking longboats set off to claim more Scottish land. A storm forced them to land on a beach in Ayrshire. And under the cover of darkness the Vikings took off their footwear to make less noise whilst covertly attacking the sleeping Scots.

The legend then kicks in. It is said that one of Haakon IV’s men stood on a thistle and yelped at the top of his voice. Alerting the sleeping Clansmen who sprang into action and winning the battle (probably a lot easier as all of the Vikings had bare feet). The role of the thistle has never been forgotten and why it is often called the ‘Guardian’ Thistle. After the defeat the Western Isles were handed back to Scotland through a treaty and marriage.

The thistle was first officially recognised in 1470 during the reign of James III when it was emblazoned on silver coins. It is still part of the highest chivalry order in Scotland , The Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is bestowed on those who make an outstanding contribution to life in Scotland and the United Kingdom.

If the thistle is a common sight throughout Scotland then the national heraldic animal is anything but except on buildings. The Unicorn. Although there is no direct myth or legend that associates Scotland with the Unicorn, in mythology it symbolises so much. It is both pure and innocent, as well as masculine and powerful. The unicorn design was first used by William I on his coat of arms. And when James VI unified Scotland and England the Scottish Royal Arms had a Unicorn either side of the shield. When he then also became James I of England and Ireland he replaced the left sided Unicorn with England’s national animal, the lion. This was to show that Scotland and England were now united.

The Unicorn though is always seen as bound by golden chains. This is to denote that such a magical beast cannot be tamed, except by a virgin or a Scottish King.

National Symbols of England

The English symbols are a little simpler to define and understand where they come from. Whereas Scotland and Wales have mystical creatures as their national symbols and real flowers or vegetables, England's are vice versa.

The National flower of England, the Tudor Rose comes from the red rose emblem of the House of Lancaster and the white rose of the House of York. Between 1455 and 1485 the English Civil war broke out. This became known as the War of the Roses as it was between these to houses. When Henry VII became King he united the warring houses by marrying Elizabeth of York and placing the white rose of the House of York inside the red rose of the House of Lancaster. Thus creating the Tudor Rose or as it is often called the ‘Flower of England’.

No one would describe a Barbary Lion as boring. But when it comes to British national symbols it doesn’t have as an alluring back story as say a Dragon or a Unicorn, but more of a historical one. The lion as you’d expect portrays how the Kings of England wanted to be seen, fearless and strong. King of the beasts. (Which doesn’t say much for the proletariat of the time)

Yet Lions have been symbols of power for much longer than the English have used them on their heraldic arms. Going back all the way to the Lion of Judah. But it seems as if the Plantagenet’s first used three of them when Henry I - known as the Lion of England - used an image of a Lion on a banner. This was to inspire his troops as they went into battle. He then married Adeliza and to commemorate the occasion added another lion, which came from her family crest. Then in 1154 Henry II married Eleanor of Aquitaine and he added another lion, as there was one on her family crest. Finally, The Lighting Seeds finally had a song to sing.

National Symbols of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a tricky one when it comes to national symbols as the Republic of Ireland has only gone and trademarked the national flower of Ireland, the Shamrock. So Northern Ireland is left bereft of an official flower. Although I think that the Shamrock is still seen as it, so we can try and unearth its reason. The three-leafed clover that is the Shamrock covers Ireland.

Legend has it that after banishing snakes from Ireland St Patrick used to tell stories to his congregation about the Holy Trinity. Using the three leaves of the Shamrock to illustrate the ‘Father, Son and the Holy Ghost’. But the Shamrock has only been a national symbol of Ireland since the 18th Century, before that it was only a symbol of St Patrick. But as the United Irishmen began using a Shamrock as their emblem (Even though it was inserted into Royal Coat of Arms after the 1800 Act of the Union) the colour green of the Shamrock became Irish green as to distinguish itself from the traditional blue of the old Ireland, which was ruled by Britain.

Northern Ireland is also bereft of an animal whether real or fictitious. Scotland has its Unicorn, Wales its Dragon and England its Lion but Northern Ireland has nothing. The old heraldic Coat of Arms of Northern Ireland did have an Irish Elk on the right side but it was put out to pasture in 1972. And if the truth be known the Irish Elk wasn’t even an Elk it was a giant deer and was extinct many thousands of years ago.

But what Northern Ireland does have is the Red Hand that adorns the flag of Ulster. Having researched the symbol we thought it best to leave alone, as the origins are not at all clear to a non-scholar. Although there are some splendid myths and legends that surround it. Such as, it was believed that whoever was the first man to lay his hand on the ground of Ulster would have sole claim on it. This resulted in warriors rushing to Ulster. With one at the back of the group chopping off his own hand and throwing it over the other warriors’ heads as they neared, thus claiming the land.

British history is one of being sworn enemies and yet of the being the closest of allies. A land mass with a few scattered islands that were once very separate states. Which came together to form a union, a union of shared thoughts and values but with very distinct characteristics. These are still seen through our the design of our heraldic and British national symbols. Even though that union is straining a little as we move into a new future outside of the EU.

Another great symbol of Britain are the craftsmanship brands that have survived for centuries. Click the images below to discover wonderful British brands and British gifts that are a joy to own and to give.

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Geography of the UK

Aug 25, 2014

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Geography of the UK. Main topics. 1. Name of the Country 2. Symbols of the UK 3. Formation of the Country 4. Name of the people 5. Where is the UK and What ’ s the size? 6. Climate 7. Natural resources. Name of the country. The Name of the Union The full and official name:

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Main topics 1. Name of the Country 2. Symbols of the UK 3. Formation of the Country 4. Name of the people 5. Where is the UK and What’s the size? 6. Climate 7. Natural resources

Name of the country • The Name of the Union The full and official name: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland The abbreviated name: the United Kingdom / the UK / Great Britain / Britain The informal name: England

Symbols of the UK and its member countries What may remind you of the country and its member countriesSymbols of The UKSymbols of EnglandSymbols of ScotlandSymbols of WalesSymbols of Northern Ireland

Union flag Union Flag or Union Jack

National Emblem (国徽) • The shape of a shield • The symbol of the unity: the center England: Yellow lions Scotland: Red lion ready to fight Ireland: David’s harp • The symbol of belligerence: the middle The Order of Garter: the medal The helmet The motto: Honi soit qui mal y pense Shame who think of it badly. Shame whoever thinks it evil (恶有恶报) • The symbol of support, and the passant guardian England: the standing lion: a passant guardian Scotland: the standing unicorn • The symbol of the importance of England • The symbol of the king/queen The motto of the queen: Dieu et mon droit God and my right (天有上帝，我有权力)

British national anthem (国歌) • "God Save the Queen/ the King" Used to be an anthem used in a number of Commonwealth realms; Currently serves as the national anthem of the United Kingdom, one of the two national anthems of New Zealand, and the royal anthem of Canada, Australia, Jamaica and the Isle of Man. • God save the Queen God save our gracious Queen 帝保佑女王， Long live our noble Queen祝她万寿无疆， God save the Queen 神佑女王。 Send her victorious 常胜利， Happy and glorious 沐荣光；孚民望，心欢畅； Long to reign over us 治国家，王运长； God save the Queen. 神佑女王！ Thy choicest gifts in store 愿上帝恩泽长， On her be pleased to pour 选精品，倾宝囊， Long may she reign 万岁女王！ May she defend our laws 愿她保护法律， And give us ever cause 使民心齐归向， To sing with heart and voice 一致衷心歌唱， God save the Queen. 神佑女王！ • [Video]

National flags of the UK St. George‘s Flag (England)St Andrew's Flag (Scotland) The Red Dragon (Wales)St Patrick's Flag (Ireland) National flags of the UK

National personification of the UK (1) Britannia Tails of British coins The name Romans gave to the southern British province (England today) The name that was given to the female embodiment of Britain, wearing a helmet holding a trident 'Rule Britannia, Britannia rule the waves'.

National personification of the UK (2) John Bull A fictional character Personify certain English virtues: Patriotism and determination His appearance: An 18th century country gentleman Reminding of an idyllic rural past

National animals of the UK Lion Bulldog Robin Red fox

Motto of the UK Dieu et mon droit. (French) God and my right. (English) 天有上帝,我有权利。

Symbols of England Symbols of England

National flag of England

Patron Saint of England Saint George (ca. 275-281–April 23, 303) a soldier of the Roman Empire from the then Anatolia (Turkey) venerated as a Christianmartyr He is immortalised in the tale of George and the Dragon.

National Flower of England The Tudor rose sometimes called the English Rose is a traditional emblem of England takes its name and origins from the Tudor dynasty

National animal of England Lion Courage and bravery

Coats of arms of England Three lions

Motto of England Dieu et mon droit. (French) God and my right. (English) 天有上帝,我有权利。 (the same as that of the UK)

Symbols of Scotland Symbols of Scotland

National Flag of Scotland

National flower of Scotland Thistle (蓟 )

Patron Saint of Scotland St. Andrew An old man long white hair and beard the Gospel (福音书) in right hand Venerated by all Christianity

National Animal of Scotland Unicorn (独角兽) a horse differing with a horn on its forehead

Coat of arms of Scotland a red lion with blue tongue and claws on a yellow field surrounded by a red double royal tressure

Motto of Scotland Nemo me impune lacessit. (Latin) No one provokes me with impunity. 犯我者必被犯。 (http://sduwxy.blog.sohu.com/39587039.html)

Symbols of Wales Symbols of Wales

National flag of Wales Red Drag Flag

Patron Saint of Wales • St. David bishop with a dove, usually on his shoulder, venerated by Roman Catholic Church; Anglican Communion

National flower of Wales Daffodil (水仙) Leek (韭葱)

National animal of Wales Y Ddraig Goch ( [ə ðraiɡ ɡox])

Coat of arms of Wales used by the Prince of Wales

Motto of Wales Cymru am byth (Welsh) Wales Forever. 永远的威尔士。

Symbols of Northern Ireland Symbols of Northern Ireland

National flag of Northern Ireland

Patron Saint of Northern Ireland St. Patrick (also the patron of the whole island with the Republic of Ireland included) Patrick, when a boy, was seized by pirates from his home near Carlisle and sold into bondage to an Irish chieftain. He escaped, and at length reached the Continent, where eventually he was ordained a bishop. Later he returned to the land of his former captivity, and by his preaching converted the Irish to Christianity. Legend says at that time the country was oppressed by great serpents and a host of loathsome, poisonous reptiles. Endowed with miraculous power, St. Patrick drove every snake from the land into that unfathomed pool, amid the Kerry Hills, from whence only the Last Trumpet may release them.

National Flower of Northern Ireland Shamrock (荷兰翘摇 ) Flax (亚麻 )

Coat of arms of Northern Ireland Obsolete

Motto of Northern Ireland Quis separabit? (Latin) Who shall separate us? (English) 何人能将我们分开？

Formation of the UK

Name of the peoples • The peoples of the country When and where did “Britain” come from? the Brythons (Britons) migrating from the European Continent before 300 B.C. When and where did “England” come from? Anglo Saxon and Jutes, collectively known as Angles, migrating from the northwestern Europe in the 5th century A.D England: “Angla-land”, the land of Angles Yesterday’s name (from 1800 and the early 1920’s): England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland: once separate nations England has controlled the other nations over centuries. the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Today’s name: the 26 Irish Free States achieved their independence in 1921. the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Where is the UK and what’s its size? • The location of the UK • Neighboring countries • The size of the UK • Landforms • Rivers and lakes • Coastline

Where is the UK and what’s its size? • Location Situated in Western Europe Separated from the European continent by the North Sea the Strait of Dover the English Channel Its latitude 50°N--60°N Its longitude 2°E-- 8°W The prime meridian of 0° old Greenwich observatory

Prime Meridian(本初子午线 ) (A video clip)

Where is the UK and what’s its size? UK Neighbors: France Holland Germany Denmark Norway Belgium the Irish Republic Iceland

Where is the UK and what’s its size? • A small country Size (mid-2006) 242,514 km2 (79th ) 2% 966 km from the south coast to the extreme north of mainland Britain 483 km across the widest part Population 60,587,300 (21st) Density 248 h/km2 (48th) • Yet a big role Political role: UN, G8 (G7), NATO, British Commonwealth … Economic role: EU member, GDPTotal $2.660.7 billion(5th)-Per capita $38,624(12th) Cultural role: the English language, the tourism … Educational role: Oxford, Cambridge …international students …

Landforms (1) • The rough division of the island of Great Britain the lowland & the highland the lowland: Midland, southern and eastern England the highland: the Pennines, the Lake District, most of Wales and Scotland. Smaller islands: Channel Islands, Scilly Isles, Isle of Wight Isle of Man Inner Hebrides Outer Hebrides Orkney Islands Shetland Islands

Landforms (2) Landforms of England 130,000 square kilometers, three landform regions 1. the east, the southeast and midland: plains 2. middle England: highland formed by the Pennines: the backbone of England Cross Fell (Summit 893 m) 3. The north and west: hilly: the Cumbrian Mountain Range Scafell (977 m), the highest in England

Landforms (3) • Scotland Landforms of Scotland: highland 78,760 km2 2/3 is covered by Highlands. theGrampian Mountains Ben Nevis (1344 m), the highest mountain • Wales 20,700 km2: much of the land is pastureland for sheep and cattle the industrial south the central plateaus and lakes the mountainous north of the farmers and tourists. Snowdon(1085m) • Northern Ireland Mainly composed of plains mainly farming and cattle-raising

Rivers and Lakes (1) Thames River (338 km) (A boat trip) • Severn River (354 km), which rises in the mountains of Wales and empties into the Bristol Channel, where the ports of Cardiff and Bristol are located. • The Mersey River(110 kilometers in length) flows between Lancashire and Cheshire into the Irish Sea. Its estuary, navigable for ocean vessels, is linked to Manchester by a ship canal, with the port Liverpool on its mouth.

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