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Famous authors and images of royalty may come to mind when one thinks of the United Kingdom. The country has been home to some of the most influential writers, poets and musicians of all time. It is an interesting country that has a lengthy history of greatness.
The landscape of the United Kingdom is believed to have been inhabited by the Celtics as early as 800 BC. In 55 BC, Julius Caesar lead an invasion of the United Kingdom and the region of modern day Great Britain continued to be invaded or was fighting wars for the next many centuries. During this time period, the countryside was invaded by the Angles, the Saxons, the Danes, and the Vikings. These invasions continued until the 11th century.
Beginning in the 11th century, the area of the United Kingdom began to organize and create a government, economy and language. During the 15th and 16th century, the United Kingdom greatly expanded and became one of the most powerful countries in the world. By 1640, civil war erupted and the monarchy was abolished. This did not stop the United Kingdom for continuing its growth of wealth and power. The country helped usher in the Industrial Revolution during 1760-1850, when the United Kingdom became the first industrial power of the world. During this time period, in 1776, the British colony of America was granted its independence. This was after a long and lengthy war that took place on American soil. During this war, the Americans were aided by the French.
By the 19th century, the United Kingdom was the most powerful country in the world; it had the strongest economy, the best Navy and the largest number of colonial settlements. Unfortunately, like much of the rest of Europe, the United Kingdom suffered great losses during the First and Second World Wars. By the end of the 20th century, the United Kingdom was no longer considered the most powerful country in the world; it had been surpassed by its former colony, the United States of America.
 The United Kingdom includes the island of England, Scotland, Wales and a northern portion of Ireland. The country is composed of several islands. No one person lives more than 75 miles from the sea. The capital of the United Kingdom is London, located in England. In addition to the home of the Royal Family, London is well-known for its double-decker buses and high tea. Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. Belfast is the capital of Northern Island and Cardiff is the capital of Wales. Other major cities in The United Kingdom are Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Birmingham.
The climate of the United Kingdom is typically that of a sea climate. It has cool summers and mild winters. The United Kingdom is known for often being wet, cold and foggy. There are roughly 61 million people living in the country (est. 2008). Major points of interest are Big Ben, the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. Famous individuals from the United Kingdom are William Shakespeare, the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, The Beatles and Princess Diana.
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