The UK is a medium-sized country. The longest distance on the mainland, from John
O’Groats on the north coast of Scotland to Land’s End in the south-west corner of
England, is about 870 miles (approximately 1,400 kilometres). Most of the population
live in towns and cities.

There are many variations in culture and language in the different parts of the United
Kingdom. This is seen in differences in architecture, in some local customs, in types of
food, and especially in language. The English language has many accents and dialects.
These are a clear indication of regional differences in the UK. Well-known dialects in
England are Geordie (Tyneside), Scouse (Liverpool) and Cockney (London). Many other
languages in addition to English are spoken in the UK, especially in multicultural cities.

In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, people speak different varieties and dialects of
English. In Wales, too, an increasing number of people speak Welsh, which is taught in
schools and universities. In Scotland Gaelic is spoken in some parts of the Highlands and
Islands and in Northern Ireland a few people speak Irish Gaelic. Some of the dialects of
English spoken in Scotland show the influence of the old Scottish language, Scots. One
of the dialects spoken in Northern Ireland is called Ulster Scots.

Check that you understand

The size of the current UK population
The population of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

What the census is and when the next one will be

What the largest ethnic minorities in the UK are

Where most ethnic minority people live

What languages other than English are spoken in Wales, Scotland and N. Ireland

Some of the ways you can identify regional differences in the UK

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