A General Survey of the United Kingdom Teaching Material: The society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries-An Introduction(By Higher Education Press) Teaching Objectives: This course is main ly to make known to the students the British politics, culture as well as society at large, and its position in the world as far as its long history is concerned (t might be difficult for the studen ts to understand the British political system, its people and its cultural differences because of religious reasons. Thus, some emphasis should be laid on its religious background. he United Kingd Time Allocation: 4 periods Focal Points: The Country of today, Understanding of Different Names I. General Introduction Great Britain, the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century cy and in advanci literature and science. At its zenith(极盛时期, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously depleted in two World Wars. The second half witnessed the dismantling(FLf)of the Empire and the uk rebuild ing itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. (Read the first paragraph on P2) As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council( China, France Russian Federation, United Kingdom and United States), a founding member of NATO(North Atlantic Treaty Organization), and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy; it currently is weighing the degree of its integration with continental Europe. A member of the EU(European Union), it chose to remain outside the Economic and Monetary Union for the time being
1 A General Survey of the United Kingdom Teaching Material: The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries—An Introduction (By Higher Education Press) Teaching Objectives: This course is mainly to make known to the students the British politics, culture as well as society at large, and its position in the world as far as its long history is concerned. (It might be difficult for the students to understand the British political system, its people and its cultural differences because of religious reasons. Thus, some emphasis should be laid on its religious background.) Introduction: The United Kingdom Time Allocation: 4 periods Focal Points: The Country of today, Understanding of Different Names I. General Introduction Great Britain, the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century, played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith (极盛时期), the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously depleted in two World Wars. The second half witnessed the dismantling (瓦解) of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. (Read the first paragraph on P2) As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and United States), a founding member of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy; it currently is weighing the degree of its integration with continental Europe. A member of the EU (European Union), it chose to remain outside the Economic and Monetary Union for the time being
Constitutional reform is also a significant issue in the uK The scottish parliament the National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland assembly were established in 1999, but the latter is suspended due to bickering(argue)over the peace Bergen ORWAY osto stavanger Arendal AIbo berdeen burgh ATLANTIC OCEAN castlebar run RELAND NITED KINGDOM Osnabruck Trale a Waterford Norwicl Cork swan oxford Ipswich Bristol London usse Bournemouth% Southampton、 O BELGIU个2pre cluxembout ..FRANCE Geography United Kingdom Location Western Europe, islands includ ing the northern one-sixth of the island of ireland between the north atlantic ocean and the North Sea, northwest of france total: 244, 820 sq km land: 241, 590 sq km water:3, 230 sq km
2 Constitutional reform is also a significant issue in the UK. The Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly were established in 1999, but the latter is suspended due to bickering (argue) over the peace process. Geography United Kingdom Location: Western Europe, islands including the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, northwest of France Area: total: 244,820 sq km land: 241,590 sq km water: 3,230 sq km
Land boundaries: total: 360 km border countries: Ireland 360 km People United Kingdom Population 60,441457(July2005) Age Structure 0-14 years:17.7% male 52490,592 female 5,229,691) 1564 years:665%(male20,329,272/ female 19855862) 65 years and over: 15.8%(male 4,063, 357/female 5472,683)(2005) Population growth rate: 0.28%(2005 Population Density: 250 persons per sq km(2004 estimate) 646 persons per sq mi(2004 estimate) Birth rate: 10.78 births/1,000 population(2005) Death rate: 10.18 deaths/1, 000 population(2005) Life expectancy: total population: 78.38 years male: 75.94 years female: 80.96 years(2005) Urban-rural urban 89. 5% rural 10.5% Sex distribution male 49. 09% female 50.91% Ethnic groups: white 92.1%, black 2%, Indian 1.8%, Pakistani 1.3%,mixed 1. 2%, other 1. 6%(2001 census) Official language: English English, Welsh(about 26% of the population of Wales), Scottish form of Gaelic(about 60,000 in Scotland) Official religion: Churches of England(Protestantism)and Scotland"established (Protected by the state, but not"official" )in their respecti
3 Land boundaries: total: 360 km border countries: Ireland 360 km People United Kingdom Population: 60,441,457 (July 2005) Age Structure: 0-14 years: 17.7% (male 5,490,592/female 5,229,691) 15-64 years: 66.5% (male 20,329,272/female 19,855,862) 65 years and over: 15.8% (male 4,063,357/female 5,472,683) (2005) Population growth rate: 0.28% (2005) Population Density: 250 persons per sq km (2004 estimate) 646 persons per sq mi (2004 estimate) Birth rate: 10.78 births/1,000 population (2005) Death rate: 10.18 deaths/1,000 population (2005) Life expectancy: total population: 78.38 years male: 75.94 years female: 80.96 years (2005) Urban-rural: urban 89.5%; rural 10.5%. Sex distribution: male 49.09%; female 50.91%. Ethnic groups: white 92.1%, black 2%, Indian 1.8%, Pakistani 1.3%, mixed 1.2%, other 1.6% (2001 census) Official language: English. Languages: English, Welsh (about 26% of the population of Wales), Scottish form of Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland) Official religion: Churches of England (Protestantism) and Scotland "established" (Protected by the state, but not "official") in their respective
countries. no established church in Northern Ireland or Wales Religions Christian(Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 71.6%, Muslim 2.7%, Hindu 1%, other 1.6%, unspecified none 23. 1%(2001 census) Government United Kingdom Official name. The United K ingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Form of government: Constitutional monarchy Legislature Bicameral legislature with two legislative houses 1. House of Lords [675 members(cons isting of approximately 500 life peers, 92 hered itary peers and 26 clergy) 2. House of Commons(646 seats since 2005 elections members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms unless the house is d issolved earlier Note: 1)Elections: House of Lords- no elections, House of Commons- last held 5 May 2005(next to be held by May 2010) 2)Election results: House of Commons-percent of vote by party -Labor 35.2%. Conservative 32.3%. Liberal Democrats 22%. other 10.5%: seats by party-Labor 356, Conservative 197, Liberal Democrat 62, other 31 Capital London, England National holiday: the uk does not celebrate one particular national holiday Constitution unwritten;partly statutes, partly common law and practice Chief of state Sovereign(君主) Present Queen Elizabeth ii e February 1952); Head of government: Prime minister
4 countries; no established church in Northern Ireland or Wales. Religions: Christian (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 71.6%, Muslim 2.7%, Hindu 1%, other 1.6%, unspecified or none 23.1% (2001 census) Government United Kingdom Official name: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Form of government: Constitutional monarchy Legislature: Bicameral legislature with two legislative houses 1. House of Lords [675 members (consisting of approximately 500 life peers, 92 hereditary peers and 26 clergy); 2. House of Commons (646 seats since 2005 elections; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms unless the House is dissolved earlier) Note: 1) Elections: House of Lords - no elections; House of Commons - last held 5 May 2005 (next to be held by May 2010) 2) Election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party - Labor 35.2%, Conservative 32.3%, Liberal Democrats 22%, other 10.5%; seats by party - Labor 356, Conservative 197, Liberal Democrat 62, other 31 Capital: London, England. National holiday: the UK does not celebrate one particular national holiday Constitution: unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice Chief of state: Sovereign (君主). Present Queen: Elizabeth II (since February 1952); Head of government: Prime Minister
Present Prime Minister: Anthony(Tony) Blair(since 2 May 1997)(Labor Party) Cabinet Cabinet of ministers appointed by the prime minister; National Anthem: God Save the King(Queen) God Save the Queen God save our gracious Queen Long live our noble Queen God save the Queen Send her victorious Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us o lord God arise Scatter our enemies, And make them fall Confound their knavish tricks On you our hopes we fix Not in this land alone But be god's mercies known From shore to shore ord make the nations see That men should brothers be And form one family. The wide world ov'er From every latent foe, From the assasins blow God save the queen O'er her thine arm extend For Britain's sake defend Our mother, prince, and friend God save the Queen! Thy choicest gifts in store On her be pleased to pour, L ong may reI
5 Present Prime Minister: Anthony (Tony) Blair (since 2 May 1997) (Labor Party) Cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the prime minister; National Anthem: God Save the King (Queen) God Save the Queen God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen! Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us, God save the Queen! O lord God arise, Scatter our enemies, And make them fall! Confound their knavish tricks, Confuse their politics, On you our hopes we fix, God save the Queen! Not in this land alone, But be God's mercies known, From shore to shore! Lord make the nations see, That men should brothers be, And form one family, The wide world ov'er From every latent foe, From the assasins blow, God save the Queen! O'er her thine arm extend, For Britain's sake defend, Our mother, prince, and friend, God save the Queen! Thy choicest gifts in store, On her be pleased to pour, Long may she reign!
May she defend our laws And ever give us cause, To sing with heart and voice God save the Queen IL. Names and position The United Kingdom(in full United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) is located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe and consists of four geographic and historical parts--England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom makes up most of the British Isles--the geographic term for the roup of islands that also includes the republic of ireland. Together, England, Wales and Scotland constitute the larger of the two principal islands, while Northern Ireland and the republic of Ireland constitute the second largest. So when we talk about Britain, we are likely to come across different names like The British Isles 2. Britain(or Great Britain) 3. The U. K-- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 4. England The British Isles---lt is a group of islands off the northwestern coast of Europe The group consists of two main islands, Great Britain and Ireland, and numerous smaller islands. Of all the islands the largest one is called great Britain. The second largest one is Ireland, which is to the west of Great Britain. Thus, British Isles don't refer to great Britain only Britain--- It is the short form for Great Britain. Officially it should be the great Britain. The island of Great Britain is divided into three parts: England in the south, Scotland in the north and Wales in the Southwest The United Kingdom---It's the short form for the United Kingdom of great Britain and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom is that part of the British Isles ruled over by the Queen. We know that Great Britain is the largest island of the British Isles. Ireland is the second largest one. ireland is to the west of great Britain Ireland was once an independent country. During the English bourgeois revolution(in 6
6 May she defend our laws, And ever give us cause, To sing with heart and voice, God save the Queen! II. Names and Position The United Kingdom (in full United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) is located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe and consists of four geographic and historical parts--England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom makes up most of the British Isles--the geographic term for the group of islands that also includes the republic of Ireland. Together, England, Wales, and Scotland constitute the larger of the two principal islands, while Northern Ireland and the republic of Ireland constitute the second largest. So when we talk about Britain, we are likely to come across different names like: 1. The British Isles. 2. Britain (or Great Britain) 3. The U. K -- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 4. England The British Isles---It is a group of islands off the northwestern coast of Europe. The group consists of two main islands, Great Britain and Ireland, and numerous smaller islands. Of all the islands, the largest one is called Great Britain. The second largest one is Ireland, which is to the west of Great Britain. Thus, British Isles don’t refer to Great Britain only. Britain--- It is the short form for Great Britain. Officially it should be the Great Britain. The island of Great Britain is divided into three parts: England in the south, Scotland in the north and Wales in the Southwest. The United Kingdom---It’s the short form for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom is that part of the British Isles ruled over by the Queen. We know that Great Britain is the largest island of the British Isles. Ireland is the second largest one. Ireland is to the west of Great Britain. Ireland was once an independent country. During the English bourgeois revolution (in
the 17th century), Oliver Cromwell invaded Ireland and from then on, many English protestant settlers began to immigrate to the island. Ireland became part of the United Kingdom in 1801. Ireland was added to great britain by the act of Union of 1801, the title United K ingdom of great Britain and Ireland was introduced England--- We know that England is very important in the UK. Because the importance is so great that English people tend to use the word when they mean Britain. Many foreigners are often confused, so they follow suit The names United Kingdom, Great Britain, and England are often confused even by U.K. inhabitants. England is just one country within the kingdom. Great Britain comprises England, Wales, and Scotland, while the United Kingdom also includes Northern Ireland(although the name Britain is sometimes used to refer to the United Kingdom as a whole). Wales and England were unified politically, administratively and legally by the acts of union of 1536 and 1542. In 1707 Scotland joined england and Wales in forming a single parliament for Great Britain, although the three countries had previously shared a monarch The United Kingdom is an insular country. a part from the land border with the Irish republic, the United Kingdom is surrounded by sea. To the south of England, and between the United Kingdom and france. is the english Channel. The north Sea lies to the east. Across the North Sea, Britain faces Holland, Germany, Denmark and Norway. To the west of Wales and northern England is the Irish Sea, while western Scotland and the northwestern coast of northern ireland face the atlantic Ocean America and Canad a lie on the West side of the atlantic ocean The area of the United Kingdom is 244, 820 sq km. At its widest the United Kingdom is 300 miles across. From the top of scotland to the southern coast of England it is about 600 miles. No part is more than 75 miles from the sea The United Kingdom is characterized by a long history and by political and cultural links with other areas of the world. In modern times the united Kingdom is perhaps best seen as a middle-sized, middle-ranking industrial country
7 the 17th century), Oliver Cromwell invaded Ireland and from then on, many English protestant settlers began to immigrate to the island. Ireland became part of the United Kingdom in 1801. Ireland was added to Great Britain by the Act of Union of 1801, the title United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was introduced. England--- We know that England is very important in the UK. Because the importance is so great that English people tend to use the word when they mean Britain. Many foreigners are often confused, so they follow suit. The names United Kingdom, Great Britain, and England are often confused, even by U.K. inhabitants. England is just one country within the kingdom. Great Britain comprises England, Wales, and Scotland, while the United Kingdom also includes Northern Ireland (although the name Britain is sometimes used to refer to the United Kingdom as a whole). Wales and England were unified politically, administratively, and legally by the acts of union of 1536 and 1542. In 1707 Scotland joined England and Wales in forming a single parliament for Great Britain, although the three countries had previously shared a monarch. The United Kingdom is an insular country. Apart from the land border with the Irish republic, the United Kingdom is surrounded by sea. To the south of England, and between the United Kingdom and France, is the English Channel. The North Sea lies to the east. Across the North Sea, Britain faces Holland, Germany, Denmark and Norway. To the west of Wales and northern England is the Irish Sea, while western Scotland and the northwestern coast of Northern Ireland face the Atlantic Ocean. America and Canada lie on the West Side of the Atlantic Ocean. The area of the United Kingdom is 244,820 sq km. At its widest the United Kingdom is 300 miles across. From the top of Scotland to the southern coast of England it is about 600 miles. No part is more than 75 miles from the sea. The United Kingdom is characterized by a long history and by political and cultural links with other areas of the world. In modern times the United Kingdom is perhaps best seen as a middle-sized, middle-ranking industrial country
Ill. The Effects of its Imperial Past Imperial: ind icating a country's authority: involving or relating to the authority of a country over colonies or other countries Empire: lands ruled by single authority: a group of nations, territories, or peoples ruled by a single authority, especially an emperor or empress During the 19th century, Great Britain had colon ies all over the world and got name"the Sun-never Setting Empire" in its history. Its colonial expansion began soon after the completion of the Industrial Revolution. By 1850, Britain began to enjoy the position of workshop of the world. For the 50 years, British industrial development raced far ahead of that of any other country. She took the lead in worlds textiles, coalmining, iron and steel, engineering, shipbuild ing, railways and other manufactures. The flourish industry brought about mass production. Thus, large markets were needed and britain made colonial expansion The foundation of the empire was already laid in Elizabeth's time. early from the end of 16th century to 1830s, Britain had occupied large broad colonies in the world When Britain turned from free capitalism into imperialism in the middle of the 19th century, she began to seize more colonies in the world In Asia, Britain occupied In 1839- Aden 亚丁(也门人民共和国首都,临亚丁湾) In1840- New Zealand新西兰(太平洋南部岛国) In1842-- Singapore新加坡(东南亚国家) In1848- Malaya马来亚,马来半岛 In1880-- Afghanistan阿富汗(西南亚国家) In1886 Burma 缅甸 The formation of the British Empire went through two processes: 1)aggress ion with national states; 2)annexation with uninhabited or sparsely populated wild land The aggression in China(Opium War in China) was a typical case of British penetration. At the beginning of the 19th century, China was still a great empire with a
8 III. The Effects of its Imperial Past Imperial: indicating a country’s authority: involving or relating to the authority of a country over colonies or other countries Empire: lands ruled by single authority: a group of nations, territories, or peoples ruled by a single authority, especially an emperor or empress During the 19th century, Great Britain had colonies all over the world and got the name “the Sun-never Setting Empire” in its history. Its colonial expansion began soon after the completion of the Industrial Revolution. By 1850, Britain began to enjoy the position of workshop of the world. For the 50 years, British industrial development raced far ahead of that of any other country. She took the lead in world’s textiles, coalmining, iron and steel, engineering, shipbuilding, railways and other manufactures. The flourish industry brought about mass production. Thus, large markets were needed and Britain made colonial expansion. The foundation of the empire was already laid in Elizabeth’s time. Early from the end of 16th century to 1830s, Britain had occupied large, broad colonies in the world. When Britain turned from free capitalism into imperialism in the middle of the 19th century, she began to seize more colonies in the world. In Asia, Britain occupied: In 1839 --- Aden . 亚丁(也门人民共和国首都,临亚丁湾) In 1840 --- New Zealand 新西兰(太平洋南部岛国) In 1842 --- Singapore 新加坡(东南亚国家) In 1848 --- Malaya 马来亚, 马来半岛 In 1880 --- Afghanistan 阿富汗(西南亚国家) In 1886 --- Burma 缅甸 The formation of the British Empire went through two processes: 1) aggression with national states; 2) annexation with uninhabited or sparsely populated wild lands. The aggression in China (Opium War in China) was a typical case of British penetration. At the beginning of the 19th century, China was still a great empire with a
population of about 360 million people, and with a civilization far older than that of Europe. As time went on, the isolation of China was threatened by the eastward extension of the European powers. In 1830s the English merchants began to smuggle opium into China for Chinas tea and silk. Every year, they exported to China 55,000 casks of opium, and they made a lot of profits in this opium trade. In 1839, the Qing government appointed a special commissioner Lin Ze-Xu to deal with the matter; in Canton he burned to ashes over two million jin of opium. and the Qing government tried to have the drug shipment to China stopped. In 1840, under the pretext of protecting her trade, Britain launched an aggressive war against China, known as the Opium War. The Qing government surrendered to the British invaders and was forced to sign the first unequal Treaty of Nanjing in 1842. By the treaty, China(1)paid a heavy indemnity of 5, 525,000 pounds, (2)ceded the island of Hong Kong to Britain as a base for her China trade, and (3)opened five treaty ports": Canton, Fuzhou Amoy, Ninpo and Shanghai where the British colonies could live, trade and carry out missionary activities without interference In 1860, the colonial possessions of Britain already covered about 2, 500,000 square miles with 145,000,000 inhabitants, and in 1899 11, 600,000 square miles with 345,000,000 inhabitants. At this highest point, Britain occupied about a quarter of the earths habitable area that was about 135 times of its own territory and about a quarter of the worlds population that was about ten times that of Britain. She had colonies all over the five continents: America, Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe So she boasted that she was a sun-never-setting empire Imperial ism is a stage of capitalism---the highest and last stage of capitalism. By 0, Britains capitalism had been transformed into imperialism However, Britain is no longer an imperial country now. Its important international role came to an end in the years following the Second World War. Yet the effect of the " empire"can still be felt in Britain and in the international field. 1)It has close relationships with those countries, which used to be a part of that empire (The relationship between Great Britain and Hong Kong). It maintains links through a voluntary organization called the Commonwealth of Nations. 2)It became a member
9 population of about 360 million people, and with a civilization far older than that of Europe. As time went on, the isolation of China was threatened by the eastward extension of the European powers. In 1830s the English merchants began to smuggle opium into China for China’s tea and silk. Every year, they exported to China 55,000 casks of opium, and they made a lot of profits in this opium trade. In 1839, the Qing government appointed a special commissioner Lin Ze-Xu to deal with the matter; in Canton he burned to ashes over two million jin of opium. And the Qing government tried to have the drug shipment to China stopped. In 1840, under the pretext of protecting her trade, Britain launched an aggressive war against China, known as the Opium War. The Qing government surrendered to the British invaders and was forced to sign the first unequal Treaty of Nanjing in 1842. By the treaty, China (1) paid a heavy indemnity of 5,525,000 pounds, (2) ceded the island of Hong Kong to Britain as a base for her China trade, and (3) opened five “treaty ports”: Canton, Fuzhou, Amoy, Ninpo and Shanghai where the British colonies could live, trade and carry out missionary activities without interference. In 1860, the colonial possessions of Britain already covered about 2,500,000 square miles with 145,000,000 inhabitants, and in 1899 11,600,000 square miles with 345,000,000 inhabitants. At this highest point, Britain occupied about a quarter of the earth’s habitable area that was about 135 times of its own territory and about a quarter of the world’s population that was about ten times that of Britain. She had colonies all over the five continents: America, Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe. So she boasted that she was a sun-never-setting empire. Imperialism is a stage of capitalism--- the highest and last stage of capitalism. By 1900, Britain’s capitalism had been transformed into imperialism. However, Britain is no longer an imperial country now. Its important international role came to an end in the years following the Second World War. Yet, the effect of the “empire” can still be felt in Britain and in the international field. 1) It has close relationships with those countries, which used to be a part of that empire (The relationship between Great Britain and Hong Kong). It maintains links through a voluntary organization called the Commonwealth of Nations. 2) It became a member
of the European Union in 1973. 3) It remains one of the 7 large developed economies (the UK, the United States, Italy, Germany, Japan, France and Canada) in the world (Read p2, the second paragraph) What is“ Commonwealth”? Commonwealth of Nations world wide association of nations and their dependencies, whose members share a common commitment to promoting human rights, democracy, and economic development. All members accept the British monarch as the symbol ic head of the Commonwealth. All but one, Mozambique, were once associated in some constitutional way with e ither the former British empire or with another member country. The association was formerly known as the british Commonwealth of Nations, but today is referred to simply as the Commonwealth About 1.7 billion people live in the 54 independent nations and the more than 20 dependencies that make up the Commonwealth. Only independent nations can be considered full members; they are all fully sovereign and in no way subord inate to Britain. Dependencies of Commonwealth nations are also included in the Commonwealth, although not as full members, and can participate in many Commonwealth activities. Commonwealth members share many customs and traditions as a result of their assoc iation with Britain. Many have parliamentary systems of government on the British model, and their judicial and educational institutions are often similar to those in Britain. English is an official language of many members of the Commonwealth. Since 1977 the second monday in March has been celebrated as Commonwealth Day; on that day the British monarch, as the head of the Commonwealth, presents an annual message to all member countries Almost all members of the Commonwealth were once ruled by britain as part of the British Empire. Some of them, such as Australia and Canada, were largely settled by British people. Others, such as Ind ia and Nigeria, were areas where British administrators governed a large non-British population The Commonwealth is a flexible and often informal association its main function is to encourage communication and cooperation among its diverse members, with their different needs and concerns. In 1965 the Commonwealth secretariat was
10 of the European Union in 1973. 3) It remains one of the 7 large developed economies (the UK, the United States, Italy, Germany, Japan, France and Canada) in the world. (Read P2, the second paragraph) ---What is “Commonwealth”? Commonwealth of Nations, worldwide association of nations and their dependencies, whose members share a common commitment to promoting human rights, democracy, and economic development. All members accept the British monarch as the symbolic head of the Commonwealth. All but one, Mozambique, were once associated in some constitutional way with either the former British Empire or with another member country. The association was formerly known as the British Commonwealth of Nations, but today is referred to simply as the Commonwealth. About 1.7 billion people live in the 54 independent nations and the more than 20 dependencies that make up the Commonwealth. Only independent nations can be considered full members; they are all fully sovereign and in no way subordinate to Britain. Dependencies of Commonwealth nations are also included in the Commonwealth, although not as full members, and can participate in many Commonwealth activities. Commonwealth members share many customs and traditions as a result of their association with Britain. Many have parliamentary systems of government on the British model, and their judicial and educational institutions are often similar to those in Britain. English is an official language of many members of the Commonwealth. Since 1977 the second Monday in March has been celebrated as Commonwealth Day; on that day the British monarch, as the head of the Commonwealth, presents an annual message to all member countries. Almost all members of the Commonwealth were once ruled by Britain as part of the British Empire. Some of them, such as Australia and Canada, were largely settled by British people. Others, such as India and Nigeria, were areas where British administrators governed a large non-British population. The Commonwealth is a flexible and often informal association. Its main function is to encourage communication and cooperation among its diverse members, with their different needs and concerns. In 1965 the Commonwealth Secretariat was