To gear you up for living in the UK, we’ve provided an overview of some key facts about this great kingdom.
Population: 59,054,800 (2002)
Capital city: London
Prime Minister: Gordon Brown, Labour Party
Important Dates
Money (local currency): Sterling
Language Spoken: English
Time Zones
Greenwich Mean Time.
Note that in summer, the UK operates under British Summer Time (GMT +1)
Longitude / Latitude
54 00 N, 2 00 W
Business Hours
Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4.30pm. General business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Shopping hours are usually 8:30am to 5:30pm weekdays and 9am to 5pm on Saturday. Some shops close on Sunday, with many major department stores and shops in large shopping areas/cities open 7 days.
Weather
The UK has four distinct seasons, spring from March to May, summer from June to August, autumn from September to November and winter from December to February.
It doesnt always rain! Summer temparatures can be high in the southwest and London but generally the climate is temperate and there can be fair weather in all seasons. Its usually advisable to bring a selection of clothes and an umbrella!
Local Beers
While you’re in the UK, sample some of the local ales! Whilst many European lagers are widely available it’s the bitters and ciders that characterise British beer. These include:
North: Black Sheep, Theakston
Midlands: Bank’s, Ansells, Marston's
West Country: St Austell, Exmoor, Badger, Otter
Wales: Brains. Ffosy Ffin Brewery
London & South East: Fullers, Youngs, Shepherd Neame, Admans
