The UK has for some time been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with the American tourist very common place in the country.  The country has a number of factors in its favour including the colourful history (starting with the Celts) which has taken in the Roman invaders, Vikings, Saxons and Normans and many more who have tried and ultimately failed to conquer the land.

Consisting of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the UK offers the full range of climates from the cold winters of Scotland to the warmer climbs of the South coast of England.  All elements of the UK have their own personal history, and they are all within easy travelling distance, by plane, car, water or train.

Beautiful landscapes, steeped in history, a monarchy rule, a community spirit and a warm welcome await the millions of foreign national who decided to visit and very often re-locate to the UK.  A strong member of the European Union, NATO, G8, UN and other influential political groups, the UK seems very much to punch above its weight on the worldwide stage.

The UK, along with Italy, has the largest influx of immigrant workers in Europe, and while more is being done to control the figures this is proving very difficult.  This has also had an impact on permanent residency figures with stricter guidelines and rules coming in to force over the last couple of years.  Interviews, nationality tests and an opinion of what an visitor can bring to the UK will all be part of the future immigration policy. These procedures do make it a little more difficult for Expats who want to move to the UK.

Contents: Culture in the UK | Employment in the UK | Property in the UK | State Benefits in the UK | Facts about the UK

Culture in the UK

The culture of the UK is a very complicated and mixed bag, with the Romans and Vikings very much leaving their mark on the layout and thinking of the UK population.  Historically the UK was much bigger than it is now, owning vast areas of the globe under the old British Empire.  While slowly the Empire disintegrated, with many countries gaining independence, the era has left a lasting impression and historical ties with many of the old members of the Empire.  Many of the old British Empire members are now part of the UK Commonwealth which is a strong association where countries work together to assist with trade, financial help and much more.  Often referred to as "Cool Britannia" the UK has led the way in music, fashion, theatre, tv and film.

The English language is perhaps the best reflection of the strengths of the British Empire, with English the most popular language in the world.  While England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are joined by the Union agreement of  1800, there is much inward friction with rumours that Scotland may seek independence from the UK ruling authorities.  Each area has a different individual culture, and differing society characteristics.

Historically there are few countries in the world who offer the depth and breadth of multi-cultural groupings
present in the UK.  While predominantly white British, there are also large numbers of Indian, Pakistani,
Caribbean, Asian and Chinese who have also brought there own unique culture to the UK.  The British culture has also travelled around the world, with 5.5 million UK nationals now living in countries spanning the globe.

Employment in the UK

Over the last 100 years the UK has moved from a predominantly manufacturing led economy, specialising in textiles, metals and consumer goods into a service driven economy which is now thriving in areas such as legal services, financial services, chemicals and pharmaceuticals to name but a few.  Often at the cutting edge of new technology, the UK also has a vibrant small business sector, which has over recent years received support from the government,
 
The current rate of unemployment in the UK as a whole is some 5.5% which is a respectable figure, when you bear in mind that many of the rural areas of the UK are still experiencing the change from a manufacturing to services economy.  While there have been spikes in unemployment in the late 1980s and mid 1990, the rate has remained between 2% and 6% for some time.  Where some countries tend to encourage government investment to shore up a failing economy, the UK has historically used the weapon of interest rates, which has proved rather successful.  

The country has very strong trading links with the likes of the US, and its many European partners, not to mention a significant exposure to the Far East (due in the main to the influence of the British Empire).  One of the top 5 economies in the world, a world leader in finance and a significant power in Europe, the UK has much going for it.

While economic growth is expected to slow slightly to 2.5% in 2007,  the country is well positioned in a number of areas, and when the world economy picks up the UK will surely follow.  This relative consistency in the economy has attracted a great number of immigrant workers, many of whom have decided to stay long term in the UK.  There are a vast array of employment opportunities in specialist areas such as finance and legal service - in fact the UK has one of the worlds leading stock markets.

Property in the UK

The UK property market has been booming for the last 3 or 4 years with many prices rising by in excess of 100% over the period.  While the timing and range of price rises differs greatly across the country, with the capital London the first to benefit, all house prices have risen substantially across the country over the period in question.  Indeed, the average house price in the UK has now risen to over £100,000 for the first time ever.

While the UK property market showed gains approaching 10% in 2006, this rate is expected to slow markedly in 207 as the constant drip of interest rate rises, and recessionary fears start to hit home.  The Bank of England have been tying to cool the market for some 12 months with a flurry of interest rate rises, and threats to increase the rate even further in the short term (this seems almost inevitable).  

There are fears in some quarters that the property markets stubbiness to consolidate, and the financial folly of the financial institutions may lead to a sharper fall than hoped.  Even though mortgages have historically been approved on 2 to 3 times salary, there are reports of mortgages being approved on 6 times salary.  This
may turn out to be the equivalent of financial suicide for many, who appear to have been sucked in by the last throws of the property market boom.

On a long term basis, i.e. approximately 20 years, the UK property market has out performed all other major
investment indicators, and as the home ownership fashion in the UK continues to strengthen, and demand is
replenished by the growing number of immigrants,  there is long term support there.  The UK also has a policy whereby demand has always exceeded the number of new builds, ensuring a level of pent up demand.  The UK still offers a very lucrative property investment market for those looking longer term.

State Benefits in the UK

It seems to be common knowledge across the world that the UK has the most generous benefits system of the developed world.  A free national health service, high levels of local authority assistance for the needy, and pensions guaranteed by the government have all attracted a raft of immigrants.

However, the authorities are now introducing stricter and stricter means testing to ensure that only those eligible and in need will receive the bulk of financial assistance on offer.  Even though this will take time to filter down to grass roots, it is most definitely a welcome move by the UK government.

Some of the more common state benefits available to residence (whether they have contributed or not) includes unemployment benefit, housing benefit, incapacity benefit and much more.  The state welfare system is a multi-billion pound monster which has grown out of control since the early days of the 1940s.

Conclusion

The UK has much to offer on a number of fronts including, employment, living environment, landscape and history as well as a very high standard of living for most.  This has resulted in a vast increase in the number of immigration applications over the last 10 years - something the government seemed to lose  control of temporarily.

The history and vast array of ethnic groups evident in the country  have also assisted with the full integration of immigrant minorities into the UK.  A truly multi-cultural country, with a booming tourist industry and an economy which has been on an upward spiral for the last 10 years.

More facts about the UK:-

Capital : London

Official Language : English

Government : Constitutional monarchy and elected parliament

Size : 244,820 km2

Population : 60 million

Currency : Sterling

International Dialling Code : +44

Economy : 6th largest in the world (5th largest in Europe)

Religion : Church of England although Various forms of Christianity are practiced