UK Physical Characteristics Land use in the UK UK Population Distribution

• Most mountains are located in the Land use varies Arable farmland Low north and west, such as Wales and throughout the UK. dominates because of Scotland. However our land is the warm, sunny and Much of Northern Scotland is • These areas have few roads and always changing. dry climate. Crops sparse due to a mountainous settlements but beautiful scenery. – Nonetheless, the vast such as cereals and landscape and difficult climate. Sparsely populated. majority of the UK is vegetables are found High • South and east of the UK is flat with farmland. in the South and East. a few hilly areas. Rest of the UK because of the UK mountain areas Coniferous woodland • These areas are suited for gentle hills, moderate climate and (Scotland) have rough are found in northern settlements, roads and railways – good transport routes. Densely populated. pastures and , Wales and • Rivers flow from mountainous areas moorlands. The Scotland. There areas Very High down to the sea. climate is harsh and have poor soils and soil is poor for crops are remote. Population is concentrated around UK Rainfall Patterns the South , in cities Grasses 52% Urban areas are Grasslands are found such as London, due to attractions Arable 20% growing. This outward in the west. It is ideal of employment, shops and • Highest rainfall is in the north and west Urban 14% growth or sprawling for cattle and sheep entertainment. where average rainfall is 2500mm. Forest 12% urban developments because of the mild Water 1% is cased by population and wet climate. Factors affecting population density Other 1% growth. Remote and poor Moderate climate. Opportunities for work • Lowest rainfall is in the south and east communications. with average rainfall of 500 – 625mm. Topic 7 A presence of raw Steep and Fertile and suitable for st materials. mountainous. farming. UK Relief Rainfall UK in the 21 Century Plentiful supplies of Poor quality of soil. Flat land for farming. When air carrying water. Most UK rainfall is The other side of the Population in the UK moisture reaches caused by prevailing upland area has upland areas, it is UK Housing Shortage wind blowing from little moisture, this The UK population is 65 million and still rising. It is predicted to reach 70 forced up to the southwest. is called the rain million by 2030. Problem and Reasons produce relief shallow. rainfall. Reasons for growth Future of growth • 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. Natural increase – the difference The UK’s population pyramid • As a result, house prices are rising and becoming too expensive. between deaths and births. shows that the country’s birth rate • Planning permission for new houses leads to local opposition. Net migration – the difference is fairly low and death rate is also • Green belt areas prevents urban areas becoming bigger. between immigration to the UK and low meaning there are more elderly • The price of lands keeps rising due to demand. emigration from the UK. people. Life expectancy – the average age Population pyramids are useful to Demographic Transition Model (DTM) someone will live up to. help plan for the future. As countries experience economic development they Water stress in the UK also go through stages of population transition. The DTM describes this change and shows the UK in stage 4. Water stress is when areas have limited water supply. 1 Birth rates high and death rates fluctuates.

Problems Solutions Birth rate high but death rate is falling rapidly. 2 Natural change increases. • Most rainfall occurs in North • Water can be transferred Birth rate and death rate falling rapidly. Natural & West but least rainfall in from the wetter west to drier 3 change is rapid. South & East. east by pipelines or rivers. • South & East UK therefore • Construct new reservoirs in Birth rate and death rate is low and fluctuating. 4 have High demands. the east to capture/store Little Natural changes. • Demands involve domestic, more water. Birth rate is falling and death rate is rising slightly. 5 industrial & agricultural uses. • Greater water conservation. Natural change falls. Ethnic Diversity in the UK UK Employment Sector The UK’s Role in the World

• 13% of the UK population Key changes since 2001 The UK may be a small island state, but it does play a significant role in the wider were born in another world. It is also part of several key international organisations. country. • The quaternary industry has NATO UN G7 • In Bristol, this value is 15%. increased, whilst secondary This has increased between has decreased. Is made up of 193 Involves seven of the 2001 and the present day. • Number of people employed in A group of 28 countries member states with the wealthiest western primary and tertiary industry who work militarily and aim of maintaining peace • The change was driven by an countries to discuss has stayed the steady. politically to resolve and resolving issues. UK increase in white non-British relevant issues and come conflict as a last resort. is part of the Security (Polish), Black African • Big increase in professional to economic agreements. Council. (Somalian) and Asian and technical jobs. • Employment in manufacturing (Indian) people. Case Study: The UK in Resolving Conflict in Somalia has decreased the most due to UK Ageing Population cheap labour abroad. Basic Background

Distribution of Ageing Population UK Working Hours • Somalia is in the far east of Africa • Since 1960 it has been at war with Around 18% of the population are over 65. The distribution of older • In 2011 the average number of hours worked in the UK was 42.7. its neighbours over land. In 1991 the rd people is high in coastal areas, especially in east and south-west • This figure is the 3 highest figure within the EU. President was overthrown and there • Fathers now work fewer hours to look after children. England. However, it is lower in Northern Ireland and Scotland and was civil war for 20 years. • Number of mothers in fulltime work has increased. generally in big cities. • Droughts and famines killed 500,000 people in 1992 and 2010 – 2012 UK’s Core Economic Hubs • Large number of people were born after the WW2 and are • Linked with piracy and terrorism now moving into old age – Baby boomers. An economic hub is a central point or area associated with economic success and UK Involvement • Improved healthcare and new treatments to prolong life. innovation. Many of these economic hubs are located near universities. Below is a

Causes • Greater awareness of the benefits of a good diet and selection of economic hubs throughout the UK. • Early 1990s as part of UN peacekeeping force (withdrew 1995). exercise. • Supports vulnerable vessels from pirates as part of the EU Naval Force Aberdeen Belfast Titanic Quarter • Governments working together to support food, education and health care Centre for the North Sea • Healthcare cost are very high and will increase with an Film studio, offices and oil and gas industry, now increasing ageing population. education based on the UK Media Exports developing as a research • Shortage of places in care homes, many of which are old shipyard. and development hub. • The UK exports many different UK’s Media’s influences becoming increasingly expensive.

Effects types of media products such as • Many older people join clubs and spend on travel therefore Salford films, TV and music and books. • Most exports are in English, helping to boast the economy – the grey pound. Media industry including High-tech industries • Exporting media is key to the UK meaning it develops other’s BBC and ITV. based in key Scottish economy as it employs 1.7 million understanding of our language. • Government pension bonds to encourage older people to Manufacturing of cities. They focus on people and generates £17 billion. • Many people around the world copy save money for the future. chemicals. electronics and software. • Example: Harry Potter sold 400 fashion & styles seen in UK media. million copies to 200 territories. • Can attract people to visit the UK. • Pensioners receive support in care, transport and heating Bristol Silicon Fen allowance to make life more comfortable. Creative and digital High tech research hubs

Response • Allowing more immigration will provide the demand needed industries. Key services associated with Multicultural UK of a younger workforce needed for the economy. such as law and finance. University. The UK is a multicultural country due to many ethic minorities moving here from UK’s Changing Economy Case Study: UK Economic Hub - Bristol India, Pakistan, Caribbean and parts of Africa. These groups have shared there culture and have influenced the UK in many ways. With a population of , Bristol is an economic hub for the UK, and has a global • UK has one of the largest economies in the world. economic influence as well. It is a key location for high performance engineering, Fashion Media Food • The last few decades, heavy manufacturing industries have aerospace and digital technologies. declined due to competition from aboard. • Many shops sell • Many ethnic • Food that has • Now the UK is moving into the service industry such as finances, Change Over Time Significance to the UK traditional clothing. minorities have originated from technology and media. • As these traditional influenced music other countries have • Key trade conducted through its • Bristol has a population of 440, 000 clothing become (i.e. dubstep) and become very th • Between 1997-2007, the UK economy grew strongly & docklands have declined. making it the 10 largest city in the more common, television (i.e. established (i.e. • New investment in communication UK other cultures have Bollywood). Curry and Pizza). unemployment decreased. This was due to increase infrastructure and transport links. • Bristol contributes 4.8 billion to the started to wear • With greater • Many mainstream investment in education & technology. • Bristol has become a major science UK economy. them too. i.e. Saris influence, greater supermarkets sell a city with key scientific and • Many start-up companies in hi-tech • Hair styles from understanding from great range of • In 2008 the UK entered a recession and unemployment technological industries in Bristol industries, along with well other cultures such other ethnic groups ingredients and increased. Recession ended in 2009, creating a strong focus Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone established companies such as as dreadlocks from have been ready made foods

Political Changes Political for decreasing the national debt occurred in 2010 elections. and Bristol and Bath Science Park. Hewlett Packard are based here. the Jamaica. established. from other cultures.