The United Kingdom has a parliamentary monarchy as its form of
government, and its sovereign or head is Queen Elizabeth II. It is
composed of four nations: Great Britain, which includes 3 nations:
Scotland, Wales, and England, and the fourth nation is Northern
Ireland. Great Britain, being the largest city, is the capital. The
official language is English. The United Kingdom's economy is
ranked as the fifth largest in the world. London is its financial
center.
Religion in the culture of the United Kingdom : In the United
Kingdom, there is freedom of worship; however, its main religion
is Christianity, which is officiated by the monarch. The official
church is the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, which has many
members. More than 70% of the population is part of the Roman
Apostolic Church and the Anglican Church. Other practiced
religions include Catholicism, which is the second most important,
followed by Islam and Judaism.
Cuisine of the United Kingdom: It is noteworthy that the cuisine of
the United Kingdom is a blend of all the specialties of the
countries that comprise it, hence its diversity. Some of the typical
dishes are:
•Fish and Chips: The most popular dish, the fish used is haddock
or cod, and in addition to the chips, some peas seasoned with
pepper and salt can be included.
•Roast with Yorkshire Pudding: The traditional Sunday dish, the
meat is accompanied by vegetables, roasted potatoes with a
sauce made from the meat juices, broth, and flour, all served with
Yorkshire pudding.
•Eccles Cake: Contains currants.
Attire of the United Kingdom The attire that characterizes the
culture of the United Kingdom is its national Scottish dress. For
men, it includes a kilt with a shirt, vest, and tweed jacket, along
with gartered socks, brogue shoes, and a sporran. For women, it
is a dress or pleated skirts quite different from men's kilts, made
from tartan, and they also wear a shawl made of the same
material.
•Full English Breakfast: Known as "Full English Breakfast," it
consists of a hearty meal that includes bacon, fried or scrambled
eggs, sausages, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans,
and toast. This English custom is especially enjoyed on
weekends or on special occasions.
•Tea: Traditionally, it is served between 3 and 5 in the afternoon
and includes a variety of teas, along with a selection of small
sandwiches, scones, cakes, and other sweet or savory snacks.
Tea is an integral part of British culture and is considered one of
the most important social traditions in the United Kingdom. It is a
common drink at British breakfast, either accompanying a full
English breakfast or simply with toast and jam. Afternoon tea is
one of the English customs that has become an institution.
•Guy Fawkes Night: Also known as "Bonfire Night," it is
celebrated on November 5th throughout the country to
commemorate Guy Fawkes' failed attempt to blow up Parliament
in 1605. This celebration, part of deeply rooted English customs,
is characterized by the burning of "Guy" figures, the lighting of
bonfires, and the setting off fireworks.
•Pancake Day: Also known as Shrove Tuesday, it is a significant
date in English customs celebrated the day before Ash
Wednesday. It is traditionally a day to consume pancakes before
the Lenten period. Many people prepare and enjoy pancakes at
home, often with a variety of sweet or savory toppings.
•Being Polite and Courteous: Courtesy and good behavior are
highly valued in British culture. Saying "please," "thank you," and
"excuse me" are fundamental in daily interactions. Additionally, it
is common to greet with a handshake or a "hello" when meeting
someone for the first time.
•Punctuality: Punctuality is a fundamental social norm that reflects
deeply rooted English customs. It is considered rude to be late to
appointments, meetings, or social events. People are expected to
arrive on time or even a few minutes before the agreed-upon time.
•Respect for Queues: The British are known for their sense of
order and respect for queues. It is important to respect one's turn
in line, whether in public transport, shops, or events.
