Understanding The United Kingdom

Explains the complexities of British identity as expressed in politics, education, the economy, law, culture, sport, religion and social attitudes. For international and UK students taking courses covering British society and culture and the general reader wishing to understand a country divided by Brexit.The 2016 EU referendum underlined Britain's differences from its continental neighbours. But it also demonstrated how this 'united' kingdom is in many ways very disunited. England and Wales voted one way, Northern Ireland and Scotland the other; and within England the provinces voted against London. Such divisions are nothing new. Clashing interests and identities are expressed in every aspect of British history and contemporary life. Author Martin Upham spent many years explaining the complexities of British identity to Americans 'studying abroad' in London, where he was the director of AHA International (now GEO). This book is based on that experience. The result is a fascinating expedition that will entertain and educate not just students of British society and culture and those coming from abroad but also general readers concerned about the state of Britain − whether they are Brexiters or Remainers.Illustrated throughout.

'Absorbing . . . an intelligent and clear-eyed account of much that goes on in our country' Sunday Times Getting to grips with Great Britain is harder than ever. We are a nation that chose Brexit, rejects immigration but is dependent on it, is getting older but less healthy, is more demanding of public services but less willing to pay for them, is tired of intervention abroad but wants to remain a global authority. We have an over-stretched, free health service (an idea from the 1940s that may not survive the 2020s), overcrowded prisons, a military without an evident purpose, an education system the envy of none of the Western world. How did we get here and where are we going? How Britain Really Works is a guide to Britain and its institutions (the economy, the military, schools, hospitals, the media, and more), which explains just how we got to wherever it is we are. It will not tell you what opinions to have, but will give you the information to help you reach your own. By the end, you will know how Britain works - or doesn't. 'Stig Abell is an urbane, and often jaunty guide to modern Britain, in the mould of Bill Bryson' Irish Times

本教材英国地理文化知识与自然人文知识并重，既训练语言技能，也丰富相关知识。帮助读者了解英国地理概况和重要城市，系统介绍英国自然地理和人文地理。

On 23rd June 2016, the United Kingdom shocked the world by voting to leave the European Union. This short book examines why this happened, examining the historical, economic, political, social and cultural reasons that led to the Brexit vote.

Understanding US/UK government and politics is a further volume in the Understanding Politics series. It is written specifically for A2 students and covers the comparative dimension of advanced level study. It closely follows the syllabuses of the main examination boards, being especially helpful for those requiring a direct comparison between the two political systems. Clear and accessible in style, it offers invaluable insights into the similarities and differences between British and American politics. These are summarised in useful boxes at the end of each chapter, where there are also det.