The Flag of England is the St George's Cross. The red cross appeared as an emblem of England during the Middle Ages and the Crusades and is one of the earliest known emblems representing England. It achieved status as the national flag of England during the 16th century. Saint George became the patron saint of England in the 13th century, and the legend of Saint George slaying a dragon dates from the 12th century.
England accounts for just over half of the total area of the UK and over 80% of its population (51m). Eight of the 10 most populous cities in the UK are in England – Glasgow at number three and Edinburgh at number seven are the exceptions. London is the largest city, with a population of over seven million, followed by Birmingham with a population of nearly one million.
The mainland of England consists of the central and southern part of the island of Great Britain in the North Atlantic, but England also includes over 100 smaller islands such as the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight.
Immigration has changed the English population, making it now one of the most diverse in the world. People from former British colonies have arrived since the 1950s—5.30% of people living in England have migrated from the Indian subcontinent, mostly India and Pakistan. 2.30% of the population are black, mostly from the Caribbean. There is a significant number of Chinese and British Chinese. As of 2007, 22% of primary school children in England were from ethnic minority families. About half of the population increase from 1991 to 2001 was due to foreign-born immigration.
The food of England has historically been characterised by its simplicity of approach, honesty of flavour, and a reliance on the high quality of natural produce, though a decline began during the Industrial Revolution with the move away from the land and increasing urbanisation of the populace. But the cuisine of England has recently undergone a revival, which has been recognised by the food critics with some good ratings in Restaurant's best restaurant in the world charts. But today, especially in the streets of London, due to intense immigration and growing tourism, one can find food from every corner of the world.
Some famous English men and women:
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland)
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