Stats & Facts
Where
An island nation made up of the three countries of England, Scotland and Wales, located off the north coast of mainland Europe.
Area
Britain - 229,979 km2
England - 130,349 km2
Scotland - 78,772 km2
Wales - 20,768 km2
Population
Britain - 59.8 million
England - 50.1 million
Scotland - 5.1 million
Wales - 3 million
Cardiff - 305,000
Edinburgh - 454,000
London - 7.2 million
Capital
Cardiff - Wales
Edinburgh - Scotland
London - Britain
Currency
£ Sterling also often shown as GBP.
Language
English generally spoken throughout Britain although accents and dialects vary widely.
In Wales, Welsh widely spoken. In Scotland, some Gaelic in the Western Islands and the Highlands.
Climate
Whatever the season, the British weather is liable to change from day to day, so if you're wondering what to pack, a good idea is to take layers.
Most days in summer are warm, but evenings can be cool. In Spring and Autumn there can be warm days, but equally there can be very cold ones too!
Winter sees Britain's shortest and coldest days but these can be crisp and bright.
Remember, there can also often be quite a difference in temperature between Scotland and Southern England.
Average Temperatures
|
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Edinburgh
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London
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January
|
3 C
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4 C
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|
July
|
15 C
|
8 C
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Getting There
By air minimum 21 plus hours, either over Asia and Europe or across the Pacific, the USA and Atlantic.
Visas & Entry Requirements
On arrival in the UK, Australian visitors only need a valid passport to establish identity and nationality and can stay in Britain for six months without a visa on holiday.
For visa information contact:
Holidays & Festivals
Public Holidays & Festivals 2009
England and Wales 2009
Jan 01 New Year's Day
Apr 10 Good Friday
Apr 13 Easter Monday (ex Scotland)
May 04 Early May Bank Holiday
May 25 Spring Bank Holiday
Aug 31Summer Bank Holiday (except Scotland)
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Boxing Day
Scotland 2009
Jan 01 New Year's Day/ Bank Holiday
Apr 10 Good Friday
May 07 May Day
May 26 Spring Bank Holiday
Aug 25 August Bank Holiday
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Boxing Day
Useful Contacts
National Tourist Office
VisitBritain
Level 2, 15 Blue Street
North Sydney
NSW 2060
Tel: (02) 9021 4400
Toll Free: 1300 85 85 89
Fax: (02) 9021 4499
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Travel Agents' enquiries only
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
For more information on Britain
Click on Visit Britain