The UK today
The UK today is a more diverse society than it was 100 years ago, in both ethnic and religious terms. Post-war immigration means that nearly 10% of the population has a parent or grandparent born outside the UK. The UK continues to be a multinational and multiracial society with a rich and varied culture. This section will tell you about the different parts of the UK and some of the important places. It will also explain some of the UK’s traditions and customs and some of the popular activities that take place.
The nations of the UK
The UK is located in the north west of Europe. The longest distance on the mainland is from John O’Groats on the north coast of Scotland to Land’s End in the south-west corner of England. It is about 870 miles (approximately 1,400 kilometres).
Most people live in towns and cities but much of Britain is still countryside. Many people continue to visit the countryside for holidays and for leisure activities such as walking, camping and fishing.
The section says the UK today is more ethnically and religiously diverse than 100 years ago. Post-war immigration means nearly 10% of the population has a parent or grandparent born outside the UK. The UK remains multinational, multiracial and culturally varied. Geographically, the UK is in north-west Europe. The longest mainland distance is from John O'Groats on Scotland's north coast to Land's End in south-west England, about 870 miles or approximately 1,400 kilometres. Most people live in towns and cities, but much of Britain is still countryside. People visit the countryside for holidays and leisure activities such as walking, camping and fishing. The section also introduces the UK's nations and important places, plus traditions, customs and popular activities. Remember the two landmarks and the approximate distance together: John O'Groats is in the north of Scotland, while Land's End is in the south-west of England. The text is describing the mainland, not every part of the UK.
The handbook text is reproduced under the terms printed in Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd edition: © Crown copyright 2013. It is reproduced accurately, the title is given, and this site does not use the Home Office crest or imitate the official edition. We are not an official publication. The reproduced text is the 3rd edition (2013). Later official impressions changed some references from the Queen to King Charles III and renamed some institutions. Where something looks dated, check the current official handbook on GOV.UK.
Practice questions
Progress is saved in this browser only. There are no accounts.
Roughly what share of the UK population has a parent or grandparent born outside the UK, according to the handbook?
Post-war immigration means nearly 10% have a parent or grandparent born outside the UK.Where is the UK located?
The handbook states that the UK is located in the north west of Europe.Which route represents the longest distance on the UK mainland?
The longest mainland distance is John O'Groats to Land's End, about 870 miles.What does the handbook say about where most people in the UK live?
Most people live in towns and cities, although much of Britain remains countryside.