2.2: Religion in the UK
The UK has become a more diverse society in both ethnic and religious terms over the past 100 years. Post-war immigration has played a significant role, and nearly 10% of the population has a parent or grandparent born outside the UK. Today, the UK is a multinational and multiracial society, rich in culture and traditions. This section discusses the various parts of the UK and some of its important places, customs, and activities.
The Nations of the UK
The UK is located in the northwest of Europe. The longest distance on the mainland stretches from John O’Groats, on the north coast of Scotland, to Land’s End in the southwest corner of England—about 870 miles (roughly 1,400 kilometres).
While most people live in towns and cities, much of the UK remains countryside, with many people enjoying outdoor activities such as walking, camping, and fishing.
Cities of the UK
England
- London: The capital and largest city of both England and the UK, known for landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.
- Birmingham: The second-largest city, an important industrial and commercial centre.
- Liverpool: A historic port city, famous for its maritime heritage and as the birthplace of The Beatles.
- Leeds: A major city in West Yorkshire, known for its financial and legal services.
- Sheffield: Once famed for its steel production, now a diverse cultural and economic hub.
- Bristol: A city with a rich maritime history and a vibrant arts scene.
- Manchester: An important cultural, media, and economic centre.
- Bradford: Known for its multicultural population and its contributions to film and media.
- Newcastle Upon Tyne: A city in northeast England, famous for its engineering and shipbuilding heritage.
- Plymouth: A port city with strong naval connections, including Plymouth Hoe.
- Norwich: A historic city with medieval architecture, known for its cathedrals and arts scene.
Wales
- Cardiff: The capital of Wales, a key cultural and political centre.
- Swansea: A coastal city known for its maritime history and proximity to the Gower Peninsula.
- Newport: An industrial city with a growing business sector.
Northern Ireland
- Belfast: The capital of Northern Ireland, known for its industrial history and as the birthplace of the Titanic.
Scotland
- Edinburgh: The capital of Scotland, famous for its historic and cultural landmarks, including the Edinburgh Castle.
- Glasgow: Scotland’s largest city, known for its architecture, shopping, and cultural scene.
- Dundee: A city on the east coast, known for its contributions to technology and video games.
- Aberdeen: A port city in northeast Scotland, often referred to as the Oil Capital of Europe.
UK Currency
The currency used in the UK is the pound sterling (symbol £), with 100 pence in each pound. The denominations of currency are:
- Coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2
- Notes: £5, £10, £20, £50
Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own banknotes, which are valid across the UK, but businesses are not obliged to accept them.
Languages and Dialects
The UK is home to a variety of accents and dialects in the English language. In addition to English, other languages are spoken in different parts of the UK:
- Welsh: In Wales, Welsh is widely spoken, especially in rural areas. Welsh is taught in schools and universities.
- Gaelic: In parts of Scotland, particularly the Highlands and Islands, Gaelic is spoken.
- Irish Gaelic: In Northern Ireland, some people speak Irish Gaelic.
Population Growth
The UK population has been growing at a faster rate in recent years, influenced by migration and increased life expectancy. Population distribution is uneven:
- England accounts for approximately 84% of the total population.
- Scotland makes up just over 8%.
- Wales represents about 5%.
- Northern Ireland accounts for less than 3%.
An Aging Population
People in the UK are living longer than ever, due to improved living standards and better healthcare. The number of people aged 85 and over is at a record high, which impacts the cost of pensions and healthcare services.
Ethnic Diversity and Equality in the UK
The UK has a diverse population, with ethnic origins from all over the world, especially in larger cities such as London. The most common ethnic group is white, which includes people from European, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, and American descent. Significant Asian, black, and mixed-ethnicity communities are also present.
An Equal Society
The UK is committed to equality between men and women. It is illegal to discriminate based on gender or marital status. Both parents share responsibility for their children, and women have equal rights in terms of work, property ownership, marriage, and divorce.
- Women now make up about half of the UK workforce.
- Girls often achieve better qualifications than boys upon leaving school.
- More women than men attend university, and more women occupy high-level positions in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
- Men also now take on a wider variety of roles, including jobs traditionally associated with women.