Facts
During the glory period of imperialism, it was said that the sun never set over the British kingdom. Now the United Kingdom includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. United Kingdom is the common name that is used for the areas that belong to Great Britain. Some of the dependent areas are islands situated in the Irish Sea or in the English Channel; Isle of Man and Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark). Some of the territories are in the Caribbean Ocean, such as Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Turks and Caicos Islands. Other dependent areas are Ascension Island, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Gibraltar, Pitcairn Islands and Saint Helena Island. Flag
The flag of the United Kingdom is called the "Union Jack". It is made from elements of the flags in the United Kingdom. 
St. George's Cross. Patron saint of England
St. Andrew's Cross. Patron saint of Scotland
St Patrick's Cross. Patron saint of Ireland.
Wales also has its own flag, but it is not represented in Union Jack. This is because when the first Union Flag was created in 1606, the Principality of Wales by that time was already united with England and was no longer a separate principality.
This flag was created in 1953. It is a banner of the arms of the old Government of Northern Ireland. When that government was dissolved in 1973 the flag ceased to be official, but continues to be used by Unionists. England
England is the biggest part of the United Kingdom. It has approximately 50 million inhabitants. The name "England" is often misused when we refer to either Great Britain or the United Kingdom. England is the south-eastern part of the island Great Britain, which is included in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Scotland
In land area Scotland occupies about one-third of the island of Great Britain, but has less than 10% of the population, about 5 million people. It is divided in three regions; The Highlands, The Lowlands and the Southern Uplands. In addition to the mainland comes The Orkneys, The Hebrides and Shetland, all together about 700 islands. The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh. It has about 500 000 inhabitants and is the second biggest city in Scotland. Glasgow is the biggest. If you travel to Scotland as a tourist, you must never call the Scots Englishmen. They are proud people, and are very eager to maintain their Scottish heritage. 
There are a lot of interesting sights in Scotland, and most people connect Scotland to the handsome Scotsman wearing the legendary kilt. (By the way, it is true that he doesn't wear any underwear under the kilt.....) The bagpipe is also a symbol of the Scottish heritage, and many Scot people are skilled bagpipe musicians. Another typical Scottish thing is the making of whisky. This is an important exporting article and something many people associate with Scotland. The Scottish flag is the cross of St. Andrew, also known as the Saltire. It is said to be one of the oldest national flags of any country, dating back at least to the 12th century. Tradition suggests that St. Andrew (an apostle of Jesus in the Christian religion) was put to death by the Romans in Greece by being pinned to a cross of this shape. The flag of the United Kingdom - known as the Union Flag or Union Jack - is made up from the flags of Scotland, England (the Cross of Saint George) and Ireland (the Cross of Saint Patrick). Edinburgh
Sightseeing in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
This is the most famous of the Scottish castles. It is located on a hill above Edinburgh "The Bagpipes' Call to BonnieScotland - the Land of Moors&Castles" John Knox House
John Knox was a Protestant Reformer who was instrumental in the Scottish Reformation. In addition to being the father of the Presbyterian Church, Knox was one of the most outspoken opponents of Mary Queen of Scots. John Knox, (1514 - 1572) the "Thundering Scot", was one of the key figures in the Protestant Reformation of Scotland. The reforms Knox personally brought to Scotland, weren't limited merely to religion, but to almost all aspects of life in Scotland. Today, his residence is one of the most visited sight in Scotland today. Holyrood Palace
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, founded as a monastery in 1128, is The Queen's official residence in Scotland. Today, the Palace is the setting for a wide range of Royal events, including an annual Garden Party and the investiture, held in the Great Gallery. The Royal Family frequently stay in the palace when the have engagements in Scotland. Legend has it that King David I, son of Malcolm Canmore and St Margaret, was hunting one day in 1128. His horse was startled by a stag which appeared from nowhere, and King David found himself hurled to the ground and in mortal danger of being killed by the stags antlers. In desperation he grasped hold of them whereupon they miraculously changed into a Crucifix. This story has echoes in the similar story of St Hubert in France. That night King David pledged to build an Abbey for Canons devoted to the Cross. Holyrood means "Holy Cross". Edinburgh's Royal Mile
Probably Edinburgh's oldest street, The Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyrood House. Visitors will find a lot to explore on either side of this historic road.It is also worth mentioning that the Scots are very friendly to the Norwegians in particular, maybe because our common history from the Viking era, when the Norsemen established societies in Scotland. Wales
Wales has about 3,5 million people. Most of them live in the south, in and around the capital, Cardiff. The highest mountain in Great Britain, Snowdon, rises to 1 085 m and is situated in the north of the country. About 20 % of the population speak Welsh, which is an is an ancient Celtic Gaelic language. Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is also a part of the United Kingdom. It consists of six counties which refused to belong to the republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland has about 1,5 million inhabitants and the capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast. There has been a conflict in Northern Ireland for years and years.. The conflict is between Catholics and Protestants and whether the counties should belong to Ireland or the United Kingdom or be independent.The Troubles have caused many losses of lives and there is still a long way to go to reach peace... London
This is the capital of Great Britain, and one of the most famous capital cities in the world. It is also a very old city. London was founded by the Romans which invaded Great Britain in AD 43. London has got about 12 million inhabitants. In addition to this it has got much tourism, and is a city of culture, entertainment and art. The city is also housing the Royal Family in the enormous castle Buckingham Palace. Through the city runs the river Thames. Sightseeing in London
Buckingham Palace
This castle is the home of the Royal family. Queen Elizabeth is the head of United Kingdom, and she is considered as a strong ruler. She is married to prince Phillip - The Duke of Edinburgh, and they have four children. The Royal Family consists of these members: Queen Elizabeth 2nd, and her husband Prince Phillip. The Prince of Wales - Prince Charles, and his two sons prince William of Wales, and prince Henry of Wales. The Duke of York - Duke Andrew , and his family, - Anne Princess Royal, and her family and Edward - Earl of Wessex and his family, are also included. Queen Elizabeth, the queen mother is of course also regarded as a member of the Royal Family. Houses of Parliament
The laws of United Kingdom are made in the Houses of Parliament., and the building include the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The building is probably most famous for the magnificent clock tower with the clock Big Ben. Big Ben is 320 feet tall.
Tower of London
The oldest part of The Tower of London dates back to 1078, and it keeps a depressing history. A lot of prisoners were kept here, and if they were suspected to be enemies of the King, they lost their head.... We know that King Henry 8th let some of his wives be beheaded behind the locked doors of Tower of London. Today, the Tower houses a collection of armoury, a lot of it owned by Henry 8.th. The Crown Jewels are also kept her. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge was first opened in 1894, and is a beautiful sight. This is one of the most visited tourist attractions in London today. St. Paul's Cathedral
This cathedral was constructed after The Great Fire of London in 1666. The architect Christopher Wren spent 35 years to finish it. It was here the historical wedding between Prince Charles an Lady Diana Spencer took place.