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United Kingdom
Relevant information about United Kingdom.
When we think of United Kingdom, it is difficult not to think of rich history, beautiful landscapes and the most refine culture. There is so much to do in UK, that people may feel overwhelmed when visiting it. It is suggested to plan the steps during the trip and be open to enjoy.
According to the last statistics, the total population of UK is estimated in 58.789.194. That way, it ranks third in the ranking of the largest populations in the European Union. Regarding foreigners, the UK keeps a low amount of people from abroad as residents. However, lately immigration has started to contribute to a rising population, boosted by the arrival of citizens of other country members of the European Union. In spite of this, UK has a long history of immigration; in fact Liverpool has had the oldest Black population in the country, dating back to at least the 1730s, and the oldest Chinese community in Europe, as well. And the culture of the United Kingdom is very rich, especially having in mind that it has part of a mix of the four countries that has formed it, which at the same time, kept their own traditions. If we recall UK culture, we cannot avoid thinking of masters such as William Shakespeare, in the Literature field. Among the most important English writers there are also Geoffrey Chaucer; Thomas Malory; Sir Thomas More; John Milton; Samuel Richardson; Jane Austen; Mary Shelley; Lewis Carroll; Charles Dickens; Thomas Hardy; William Blake and William Wordsworth. Not by chance, the UK become the number one publisher of books worldwide, publishing around 206.000 books per year. The UK music legacy to the world is extraordinary: just to mention The Beatles is enough. But there are several music styles that are popular in the UK, from the indigenous folk music of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, to heavy metal, rock and pop. Among the most relevant British music artists are also Queen, Cliff Richard, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones. All of them have been commercial succeses, and at the same time have sold millions of records around the world. Besides contemporary music, there are classical artists from UK that have left a legacy as well, such as William Byrd, Henry Purcell, Sir Edward Elgar, Gustav Holst, Sir Arthur Sullivan, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Benjamin Britten. Philosophy is a field to mention the tradition of British Empiricism. The most famous philosophers of British Empiricism are John Locke, George Berkeley and David Hume, while Dugald Stewart, Thomas Reid and William Hamilton. But if we had to choose a field were UK has stand out, that is definetely science. There are numerous of invents, theories and technologycal advances. Personalities such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin remain through hundreds of years. When it comes to the cuisine, you probably wouldn’t help taking the five o’clock tea and have some sweets, when going around the country.
The economy in the United Kingdom keeps being sustained by manufacturing. A key part of the local industrialization is the motor industry. BAE Systems, is the leader in the civil and defence aircraft production; while the European firm EADS, is the owner of Airbus. Regarding aerospace engines, Rolls-Royce holds a major share of the global market. The chemical and pharmaceutical industry are also strong, with the world's second and sixth largest pharmaceutical firms- GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca, respectively- both with headquarters in the UK. Another important service in the local economy is the service area, making up to th 73% of country’s GDP. The main services are related to banking and insurance. Tourism is very important to the local economy, as well. According to figures from 2004, over 27 million tourists arrivad at UK that same year. In fact, London, is the most visited city in the world, accounting 15.6 million visitors in 2006, followed by Bangkok and Paris. Coal has also its place in the UK economy. The country counts with a small reserve, as well as natural gas and oil reserves. In 2004, the total UK coal consumption was 61 million tonnes, which nows allows UK to be self sufficient in coal for just over 6.5 years.
If we should start talking about great places, London is where we stand. This city offers a lot of activities; from access to palaces, monuments, and historical cathedrals, to the most amazing museums. Museums are in fact a chapter itself, where it can be found science, natural history, art, fine arts, books, medieval weapons. Some of the most recognized churches are St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. In London you wouldn’t want to miss visiting the worldwide Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, as well as going sightseeing along the Thames River. And if what you like the most is architecture, you will love Cambridge by its dramatic style; and Canterbury by its incredible Cathedral. The city of Oxford is another interesting site. It has a reminder of history, no matter where you look. One of the places not to miss is Christ Church Cathedral, which is worldwide known its superb stained glass. The landscapes around Oxford are spectacular, surrounded by hills, beautiful streams, and villages that seem to be taken from a movie. York is another spot not to miss. This old town attracts all tourists by its history. And when it comes to history, Winchester is one of England's oldest towns, which has a unique cathedral. When you’re wishing to leave the city, you should visit the Lake District, in England's Northwest. Actually, it is one of the most beautiful and paradisiacal places in England. Full of hills, mountains and lakes, it is a great site for horse riding, kayaking and other outdoor experiences. And if you’re wishing to have an English tea, you shouldn’t miss a tea at Bath. It is a location where Roman Baths are famous, as well as delicious tea. The city of Durham is very worthy by its beautiful cathedral. The Durham Cathedral is full of mystery and history, which will certainly catch your attention to it.
United Kingdom is not a new destination for medical tourism, since it has a long history on it. For many years, millions of people have gone to the United Kingdom for high tech and quality medical treatments. The most best skilled doctors and hospitals are found in the UK. This country, owns some of the best facilities in the world for open heart surgery, knee and hip replacement, as well as spine surgery, bone marrow transplants, gastric bypass surgery, dentistry, oncology therapy, biological therapy, chemotherapy, gene therapy, hormonal therapy, radiotherapy, general surgery. The technology involved in the local medical procedures is up to the highest standards. Among the main hospitals offering medical tourism services in United Kingdom are: Hammersmith Hospitals Private Healthcare; Watford General Hospital; Oaklands Hospital; Euxton Hall Hospital; Yorkshire Clinic; Winfield Hospital; New Hall Hospital.
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