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RebeccaWhat is the difference between Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia – countries where English is the official language?
The following highlights some important information about these countries including, but not limited to – the politics, currency, motto, and cuisine as well as popular sights worthy of a visit.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
population: 67 million capital: London political system: Parliamentary monarchy currency: British pound motto: God and my right (Dieu et mon droit)
Often when we are talking about the UK, we mistakenly call the country Great Britain or simply England. The United Kingdom is comprised of 4 countries. Three lie on the island of Great Britain – England, Scotland, and Wales; and Northern Ireland is the fourth. The United Kingdom left the European Union in 2020. For 70 years the country has been symbolically led by Queen Elizabeth II, but in practice by the Prime Minister, who has the support of Parliament.
Some of the most famous attractions are Stonehenge, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace among many other castles and cliffs. The people who live in the UK like to have a full English breakfast, fish and chips, and black tea with milk.
Ireland
population: 5 million capital: Dublin political system: Parliamentary republic currency: Euro motto: /
Ireland should not be confused with Northern Ireland, which belongs to the United Kingdom. Ireland has been part of the European Union since 1973, and it includes 26 of the 32 counties (not to be confused with countries) that are on the island of Ireland. It is called the green island because it has a lot of grassy areas. The country is headed by the prime minister, who is appointed by the president if he has enough support in the parliament.
The most interesting cities for tourists are Dublin and Kilkenny, along with numerous cliffs and national parks as well as the Titanic museum. Popular dishes consist of meat, dairy products, vegetables, and seafood. They are known for their English-style breakfast, dark Guinness beer, and Irish whiskey.
Canada
population: 38 million capital: Ottawa political system: Constitutional monarchy currency: Canadian dollar motto: From sea to sea (A mari usque ad mare)
Canada is the northernmost country in North America and the second-largest country by area. As a result, it has many natural resources, such as coal, oil, natural gas, and water. Its official languages are English and French – thus it has a large French-speaking community.
On paper, the country falls under the jurisdiction of the British Queen Elizabeth II, but her Canadian representative performs her functions. In practice the country is run by the prime minister. Tourists most often visit the cities – Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Toronto (with the Toronto One tower), Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec, as well as many national parks and Niagara Falls, which is on the border and shared with the United States.
Among the more popular and recognizable culinary specialties is poutine (French fries and cheese curds covered in brown gravy) and maple syrup. You can find a maple leaf on the Canadian flag.
Australia
population: 26 million capital: Canberra political system: Federal parliamentary democracy under a Constitutional monarchy currency: Australian dollar motto: /
Australia is the name of the smallest continent in the world, but at the same time it is the sixth largest country in the world by area, despite being the most isolated and remote from other countries. Because of this it’s known for animals that don’t come from anywhere else in the world, such as: kangaroos, koalas, platypuses, and emus. Some special plants like eucalyptus grow there. Australia also has many natural resources such as iron, gold, silver, copper, coal, and oil, and it is the top exporter of wool in terms of volume.
On paper, the country falls under the jurisdiction of Queen Elizabeth II, but her functions are performed by her Australian representative. In practice, the country is run by the prime minister.
It is rich in natural attractions such as Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef, and Ball’s Pyramid – the remains of a volcano now an island in the Pacific Ocean. Tourists also like to visit the Sydney Opera House. Australians don’t have a distinct cuisine – most of it is borrowed from the British and Irish, such as fish sticks, fries, and meat pie. Australians love their wine and export it as well.
The United States of America
population: 332 million capital: Washington, D.C. political system: Federal constitutional republic currency: US dollar motto: In God We Trust
The US is a federal republic in North America consisting of 50 states. The country is considered a world superpower in terms of economy, military, science, and politics. It is among the founding members of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the United Nations, and NATO. The country is led by a president as a representative of the executive branch of government. Congress (legislative branch) and the Supreme Court (judicial branch) work alongside the President (executive branch). These 3 branches comprise the US government.
The most famous sights in the US are Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the White House, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, and other national parks. Americans like to indulge in a typical American barbecue, fast food, and apple pie.
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The original version of this article was published on 5th May 2022.
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