Modern Britain is a diverse, multicultural society shaped by centuries of migration and change. The test expects you to understand today's UK - its population, languages, and the way different communities contribute to national life.
Key facts
- The UK has a population of approximately 67 million people.
- England has the largest population of the four UK nations, with most people living in and around major cities.
- The UK is ethnically diverse, with significant communities from the Caribbean, South Asia, Africa, East Asia, and Eastern Europe.
- English is the official language, but Welsh is also an official language in Wales, and Gaelic is spoken in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Migration from Commonwealth countries after World War II significantly shaped modern British society.
- The UK is a multi-faith society, though surveys show an increasing number of people identifying as having no religion.
- Equal rights legislation protects people from discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and age.
- The Equality Act 2010 brings together anti-discrimination laws into a single framework.
In depth
The UK today is one of the most diverse countries in Europe. Its population of around 67 million includes people from a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. This diversity has been shaped by centuries of migration - from the Huguenots fleeing religious persecution in the 17th century, to Irish immigration in the 19th century, to Commonwealth migration after World War II. The arrival of the Empire Windrush in 1948, carrying passengers from the Caribbean, is often seen as a symbolic starting point for modern multicultural Britain.
English is spoken throughout the UK, but other languages also have official status. Welsh is an official language in Wales, with Welsh-medium schools and bilingual road signs. Scottish Gaelic is spoken in parts of Scotland, and Irish Gaelic in parts of Northern Ireland. The UK's commitment to equality is enshrined in law - the Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination on grounds including age, disability, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. Modern Britain embraces its diversity as a strength, with communities from every corner of the world contributing to the country's culture, economy, and public life.
Remember the make-up of modern Britain: a diverse, multi-national and multi-faith society. Be ready to recognise the four nations and their capitals, the languages spoken (including Welsh and Gaelic), and the idea that everyone is expected to respect the law and the rights of others while being free to follow their own customs and beliefs.