Uk in the 21st century

• UK Physical Characteristics


  • Most mountains are located in the north and west, such as Wales and Scotland
  • These areas have few roads and settlements but beautiful scenery - Sparsely populated
  • South and east of the UK is flat with a few hilly areas
  • These areas are suited for settlements, roads and railways - Densely populated
  • Rivers flow from mountainous areas down to the sea
• UK Rainfall Patterns


  • Highest rainfall is in the north and west where average rainfall is 2500mm
  • Lowest rainfall is in the south and east with average rainfall of 500 - 625mm

  
• UK Relief Rainfall


  1. Most UK rainfall is caused by prevailing wind blowing from the southwest

  2. When air carrying moisture reaches upland areas, it is forced up to produce relief rainfall

  3. The other side of the upland area has little moisture, this is called the rain shadow

  
• Water stress


  When areas have limited water supply
• Problems of water stress in the UK

  • Most rainfall occurs in North & West but least rainfall in South & East
  • South & East UK therefore have High demands
  • Demands involve domestic, industrial & agricultural uses
• Solutions to water stress in the UK

  • Water can be transferred from the wetter west to drier east by pipelines or rivers
  • Construct new reservoirs in the east to capture/store more water
  • Greater water conservation
• UK Population Distribution


  • Low - Much of Northern Scotland is sparse due to a mountainous landscape and difficult climate
  • High - Rest of the UK because of the gentle hills, moderate climate and good transport routes
  • Very High - Population is concentrated around the South East of England, in cities such as London, due to attractions of employment, shops and entertainment
• Land use in the UK

  • Arable farmland
  • Rough pastures and moorlands
  • Coniferous woodland
  • Grasslands
• The vast majority of the UK is farmland
• Arable farmland dominates because of the warm, sunny and dry climate. Crops such as cereals and vegetables are found in the South and East
• UK mountain areas (Scotland) have rough pastures and moorlands. The climate is harsh and soil is poor for crops
• Coniferous woodland are found in northern England, Wales and Scotland. There areas have poor soils and are remote
• Grasslands are found in the west. It is ideal for cattle and sheep because of the mild and wet climate
• Urban areas are growing. This outward growth or sprawling urban developments is caused by population growth
• Population in the UK

  The UK population is 65 million and still rising. It is predicted to reach 70 million by 2030
• Reasons for population growth in the UK

  • Natural increase - the difference between deaths and births
  • Net migration - the difference between immigration to the UK and emigration from the UK
  • Life expectancy - the average age someone will live up to
• The UK's population pyramid shows that the country's birth rate is fairly low and death rate is also low meaning there are more elderly people
• Factors affecting population density

  • Moderate climate
  • Remote and poor communications
  • Opportunities for work
  • A presence of raw materials
  • Steep and mountainous
  • Fertile and suitable for farming
  • Poor quality of soil
  • Plentiful supplies of water
  • Flat land for farming
• UK Housing Shortage


  • The UK population is rising and therefore more houses are needed
  • UK needs to build 240,000 homes a year, but only half that are built
  • As a result, house prices are rising and becoming too expensive
  • Planning permission for new houses leads to local opposition
  • Green belt areas prevents urban areas becoming bigger
  • The price of lands keeps rising due to demand
• Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

  • Stage 1 - Birth rates high and death rates fluctuates
  • Stage 2 - Birth rate high but death rate is falling rapidly. Natural change increases
  • Stage 3 - Birth rate and death rate falling rapidly. Natural change is rapid
  • Stage 4 - Birth rate and death rate is low and fluctuating. Little Natural changes
  • Stage 5 - Birth rate is falling and death rate is rising slightly. Natural change falls
• The UK is in stage 4 of the Demographic Transition Model
• Ethnic Diversity in the UK

  • 13% of the UK population were born in another country
  • In Bristol, this value is 15%. This has increased between 2001 and the present day
  • The change was driven by an increase in white non-British (Polish), Black African (Somalian) and Asian (Indian) people
• UK Ageing Population


  • Around 18% of the population are over 65
  • The distribution of older people is high in coastal areas, especially in east and south-west England. However, it is lower in Northern Ireland and Scotland and generally in big cities
  • Causes - Large number of people were born after the WW2 and are now moving into old age - Baby boomers, Improved healthcare and new treatments to prolong life, Greater awareness of the benefits of a good diet and exercise
  • Effects - Healthcare cost are very high and will increase with an increasing ageing population, Shortage of places in care homes, many of which are becoming increasingly expensive, Many older people join clubs and spend on travel therefore helping to boast the economy - the grey pound
  • Response - Government pension bonds to encourage older people to save money for the future, Pensioners receive support in care, transport and heating allowance to make life more comfortable, Allowing more immigration will provide the demand needed of a younger workforce needed for the economy
• UK's Changing Economy


  • UK has one of the largest economies in the world
  • The last few decades, heavy manufacturing industries have declined due to competition from aboard
  • Now the UK is moving into the service industry such as finances, technology and media
• Political Changes in the UK Economy

  • Between 1997-2007, the UK economy grew strongly & unemployment decreased. This was due to increase investment in education & technology
  • In 2008 the UK entered a recession and unemployment increased. Recession ended in 2009, creating a strong focus for decreasing the national debt occurred in 2010 elections
• UK Employment Sector


  • The quaternary industry has increased, whilst secondary has decreased
  • Number of people employed in primary and tertiary industry has stayed the steady
  • Big increase in professional and technical jobs
  • Employment in manufacturing has decreased the most due to cheap labour abroad
• UK Working Hours


  • In 2011 the average number of hours worked in the UK was 42.7
  • This figure is the 3rd highest figure within the EU
  • Fathers now work fewer hours to look after children
  • Number of mothers in fulltime work has increased
• UK's Core Economic Hubs

  • Belfast Titanic Quarter - Film studio, offices and education based on the old shipyard
  • Aberdeen - Centre for the North Sea oil and gas industry, now developing as a research and development hub
  • Salford - Media industry including BBC and ITV. Manufacturing of chemicals
  • Silicon Glen - High-tech industries based in key Scottish cities. They focus on electronics and software
  • Bristol - Creative and digital industries. Key services such as law and finance
  • Silicon Fen - High tech research hubs associated with Cambridge University
• Case Study: UK Economic Hub - Bristol


  • Key trade conducted through its docklands have declined
  • New investment in communication infrastructure and transport links
  • Bristol has become a major science city with key scientific and technological industries in Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone and Bristol and Bath Science Park
  • Bristol has a population of 440, 000 making it the 10th largest city in the UK
  • Bristol contributes 4.8 billion to the UK economy
  • Many start-up companies in hi-tech industries, along with well established companies such as Hewlett Packard are based here
• The UK's Role in the World

  • NATO - A group of 28 countries who work militarily and politically to resolve conflict as a last resort
  • UN - Made up of 193 member states with the aim of maintaining peace and resolving issues. UK is part of the Security Council
  • G7 - Involves seven of the wealthiest western countries to discuss relevant issues and come to economic agreements
• Case Study: The UK in Resolving Conflict in Somalia


  • Somalia is in the far east of Africa
  • Since 1960 it has been at war with its neighbours over land. In 1991 the President was overthrown and there was civil war for 20 years
  • Droughts and famines killed 500,000 people in 1992 and 2010 – 2012
  • Linked with piracy and terrorism
  • Early 1990s as part of UN peacekeeping force (withdrew 1995)
  • Supports vulnerable vessels from pirates as part of the EU Naval Force
  • Governments working together to support food, education and health care
• Multicultural Influences in the UK

  • Fashion - Many shops sell traditional clothing, As these traditional clothing become more common, other cultures have started to wear them too. i.e. Saris, Hair styles from other cultures such as dreadlocks from the Jamaica
  • Media - Many ethnic minorities have influenced music (i.e. dubstep) and television (i.e. Bollywood), With greater influence, greater understanding from other ethnic groups have been established
  • Food - Food that has originated from other countries have become very established (i.e. Curry and Pizza), Many mainstream supermarkets sell a great range of ingredients and ready made foods from other cultures
• UK Media Exports


  • The UK exports many different types of media products such as films, TV and music and books
  • Exporting media is key to the UK economy as it employs 1.7 million people and generates £17 billion
  • Example: Harry Potter sold 400 million copies to 200 territories
• UK's Media's influences


  • Most exports are in English, meaning it develops other's understanding of our language
  • Many people around the world copy fashion & styles seen in UK media
  • Can attract people to visit the UK