Great Britain ''London''

• is a capital of Great Britain
• is situated upon both banks of the Thames
• has population about 7 million people
• is the most important commercial, manufacturing and cultural centre
• consists of three parts: the City, the West End and the East End

The English also say that they have three variants of weather: when it rains in the morning, when it rains in the afternoon or when it rains all day long. Sometimes it rains so heavily that they say: “It’s raining cats and dogs.”

The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland and the Edinburgh International Festival.

The humid and mild climate of GB is good for plants and flowers. Some of them have become symbols in the UK.

The poppy is the symbol of peace.

The red rose is the national emblem of England.

The daffodils and the leek are the emblems of Wales.

The shamrock is the emblem of Ireland.

The fauna of the UK is much like that of northwestern Europe, to which it was once joined. There are many foxes. Otters are common along rivers and streams, and seals live much of the coast. Hedgehogs, hares, rabbits, rats and mice are numerous. Deer live in some of the forests.

London is one of the leading world centers for music, drama, opera and dance. Festivals held in towns and cities throughout the country attract much interest. Many British playwrights, composers, sculptors, painters, writers, actors, singers and dancers are known all over the world.

Westminster Abbey is the historic building in London to which every visitor sooner or later goes. It is a symbol of England . The legend says that Westminster Abbey was founded by St Peter himself. It was built by King Edward in 1065. The coronation of all British Kings and Queens takes place in Westminster Abbey . Some famous English people are also buried here. The funeral service for Diana, Princess of Wales took place in Westminster Abbey in September 1997.

The Tower of London is the most famous of all the historical buildings in London. In the past it served both as a palace and as a state prison, but it is a museum today.

Rugby football is played with an oval ball which may be carried. The players in the other team try to stop the man running with the ball by throwing him to the ground. There are fifteen players in each tea. Some people say that's not a game, it's a battle because when you pick up the ball and run with it the other side tries to make you fall. People in many countries consider cricket the most English of games.

But even in England it is not nearly as popular as football. In fact it has become less popular than before.

Football and cricket are the games most usually played in boys' schools. Girls also play cricket, though with them hockey and netball (which is like basketball) are more popular.