By Debra Durkee
Fun Facts About Great Britain
England, Scotland and Wales make up Great Britain, the ninth largest island in the world. it is comprised of a number of different cultures and ethnicities, including English, Welsh, Scots and Cornish, all spanning a land and a history rich in diversity.
Great Britain vs. the United Kingdom
The terms Great Britain and the United Kingdom should not be used interchangeably; the United Kingdom is Great Britain plus Northern Ireland.
The English Channel
Great Britain was only separated from the continent fairly recently; the English Channel didn't exist until about 200,000 years ago, when it was created by a glacial outburst.
Prehistoric history
Archaeological remains of humans who came to Great Britain over the land bridge that connected the British Isles and the continent have been found dating back 700,000 years.
London
London is the largest city in Great Britain, and was founded in approximately 43 A.D.
Geography
The geography of Great Britain is varied; central England and northern Wales were largely created from volcanic activity.
Agriculture
Approximately 25% of the land is used for farming, and 45% is used as permanent pasture land for livestock, including cattle and sheep.
Environmental issues
Great Britain is one of the great supporters of environmental issues, including agreements protecting endangered species, marine life, and world forests.
About the Author:
Debra Durkee has been writing professionally since 2005. She has been both a columnist and reporter, with her work appearing in print publications from the Metro Group, Inc in New York to the "Casa Grande Dispatch" in Arizona. Now a freelance writer, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from West Virginia University.
Photo Credits:
Royal Albert Hall, London. Debra Durkee, 2007
