Chapter four opens with the shape of the country: who lives where and which saint belongs to which nation. Learn the patron saints and their days together.
From chapter 4 of the handbook: A modern, thriving society
Three patron saints' days fall in spring: David on 1 March, Patrick on 17 March, George on 23 April. Andrew, on 30 November, is the odd one out.
Our summary, in our own words. The test can ask about anything in the chapter, so read the official handbook too.
All 12 of our questions on this topic. Say your answer before you open it: trying to answer first helps you remember it.
According to the official handbook, what was the population of the UK in 2010?
The handbook gives just over 62 million for 2010, up from just under 60 million in 2005.
Changed since the book: The ONS estimated the population at about 68 million in mid-2023. The test goes by the book.
What is the currency of the UK?
The currency is the pound sterling, written £ and divided into 100 pence.
Which parts of the UK have banks that issue their own banknotes?
Banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland issue their own notes. They are valid across the UK, though not always accepted.
When is St George's Day, the patron saint's day of England?
St George is the patron saint of England and his day is 23 April.
Who is the patron saint of Scotland, and when is his day?
St Andrew is Scotland's patron saint and his day is 30 November.
When is St David's Day, the patron saint's day of Wales?
St David is the patron saint of Wales and his day is 1 March.
When is St Patrick's Day, the patron saint's day of Northern Ireland?
St Patrick is the patron saint of Northern Ireland and his day is 17 March.
What is the highest mountain in the UK?
Ben Nevis, in Scotland, is the highest mountain in the UK.
Where is the Giant's Causeway?
The Giant's Causeway, a landscape of stone columns formed by volcanic activity, is on the north-east coast of Northern Ireland.
In which country of the UK is Snowdonia?
Snowdonia is a national park in Wales, and its highest peak is Snowdon.
Changed since the book: The park now uses its Welsh name, Eryri.
Which of these languages is taught in schools in Wales?
Welsh is taught in schools in Wales. Gaelic and Irish are also among the languages spoken in the UK.
Roughly what share of the UK population lives in England?
England has about 84% of the UK population, Scotland about 8%, Wales about 5% and Northern Ireland less than 3%.
Chapter 4 practice test: The UK nations and geography · 12 questions · 23 minutes if you take it timed