Revision guide
A modern, thriving society
Nations, languages, faiths, culture and everyday institutions you are expected to recognise — written as revision notes, not as a government publication.
Four nations
The United Kingdom is England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is the island of England, Scotland and Wales. The capitals are London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. Patron saints are St George (23 April), St Andrew (30 November), St David (1 March) and St Patrick (17 March). National flowers often cited are the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.
Languages and faiths
English is the main language. Welsh has official status in Wales. Scottish Gaelic and Scots are used in Scotland; Irish and Ulster Scots in Northern Ireland. The Church of England is the established church in England; the Church of Scotland is Presbyterian. The UK is also home to large Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish and other communities, and to people of no religion.
Days people mark
Christmas Day is 25 December; Boxing Day is 26 December. Remembrance Day is 11 November. Bonfire Night is 5 November. Burns Night is 25 January. Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year. The National Eisteddfod is a major Welsh-language cultural festival. Communities also mark Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah, Vaisakhi and other festivals.
Everyday culture
Football, rugby and cricket are widely followed. Wimbledon is the famous grass-court tennis championship. The Proms are a summer season of concerts. The BBC is the UK’s public-service broadcaster, funded mainly by the licence fee. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain; Lough Neagh is the largest lake. The Prime Meridian runs through Greenwich.
Independent notes for passbritain.co.uk. Not affiliated with the Home Office. Study the official Guide for New Residents before you sit the test on GOV.UK.