England

The largest and most populated country in the United Kingdom. The capital city of England being London which is the largest city in Great Britain. The mainland territory of England occupies most of the southern two-thirds of the island of Great Britain and shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west. It is bordered by the North Sea, Irish Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and English Channel. England became a unified state during the 10th century and takes its name from the Angles, one of a number of Germanic tribes that settled in the territory during the 5th and 6th centuries.

England's economy is the second largest in Europe and the fifth largest in the world. It is the largest of the four economies of the United Kingdom, with one hundred of Europe's 500 largest corporations based in London. As part of the United Kingdom, England is a major centre of world economics. One of the world's most highly industrialised countries, England is a leader in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors and in key technical industries, particularly aerospace, the arms industry and the manufacturing side of the software industry.

For cultural sights as well as for nightlife, London is a ceaselessly thriving capital. It is the one place that features on everyone's itinerary. It is not only Europe's biggest city with a population of over seven million but also the place where the country's news, politics and money are made.

England has to be one of the world's most popular visitor destinations. Its history and scenic diversity offers pulsing city life and lonely landscapes, charming old-fashioned customs and avant-garde culture, beautiful beaches and rough mountains. England was united as a single nation one thousand years ago, its origins going back to the dawn of civilisation. The variety of interest this country offers most certainly reflects this. England's heritage, and therefore its appeal as a destination, is many-faceted and deeply rooted, ranging from the literary genius of Shakespeare to everyday pageantry in the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

The English flag is a red cross on a white background commonly known as the Cross of Saint George, patron saint of England. The three golden lions or leopards on a red background was the banner of the kings of England and now used to represent the English national football team and the English national cricket team. The English oak and the Tudor rose also English symbols, the latter of which is used by the England national rugby union team.

England was the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century and played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. England is a diverse and progressive nation with a strong culture of social integration and tolerance. It is a country that is welcoming, friendly, fascinating and fun. Where pomp and circumstance balance the often bizarre idiosyncrasies of its people. A sense of humour being the passport to certain acceptance.