The British Isles
Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland
The
British Isles encompasses four culturally different countries under the
official name, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The countries representing Great Britain are England, Scotland and Wales.
Like the diversity of its spectacular landscape, the ethnic background of
its people is surprisingly more varied than almost any other nation of similar
size on earth. Recorded in its facial diversity is its history of successive
invasions by five major peoples - the Romans - the Celts and Saxons from
the Alps and mainland Europe - the Vikings - and the Normans of Northern
France. More recently, this diversity reflects immigration from both inside
and outside the boundaries of its former British Empire.
Separated by the Irish Sea from Great Britain and occupying five-sixths
of the island of Ireland is the country of Ireland. To many visitors it
is perceived as the most fiercely independent country to occupy the British
Isles, having separated from the United Kingdom in 1921 to form its own
independent nation, leaving Northern Ireland as a member nation of the UK
(United Kingdom).
Portrait of the British Isles
original oil
" A mature spirit of openness allows us to see, appreciate and respect each person as an individual candle of human worth. A mature spirit also fosters the most inclusive communication between humans of all racial, ethnic, cultural and religious families."
Copyright © 1999, R. Padre Johnson