The Place of the UK in the Wider World

Question 1

The Place of the UK in the Wider World

Answer 1

1. The UK has the fifth largest GDP in the world.
2. The UK is the second largest economy in the European Union.
3. In 2016, the UK was the tenth-largest goods exporter and the fifth-
   largest goods importer in the world.
4. In 2015, the UK had the fourth-largest inward foreign direct investment.
   In 2013, the UK had the second-largest outward foreign direct investment.

Question 2

Transport

Answer 2

The UK’s good transport links connect the UK with the wider world. For example:

1. Heathrow International Airport is the world’s 6th largest airport with 74,989,795 passengers passing through in 2015.
2. The Channel Tunnel provides a vital rail link to Europe, with up to 400 trains passing through each day, carrying an average of 50,000 passengers, 6,000 cars, 180 coaches and 54,000 tonnes of freight.

Question 3

Cultural Links

Answer 3

The UK is a truly multi-cultural society because:
• The UK has strong historical-links to many countries due to its colonial past.
• The UK has had numerous influxes of migrants from various parts of the world.
• UK governments tend to promote policies that encourage social cohesion and equality.

Question 4

Trade links

Answer 4

The UK trades globally – especially with the USA, Asia and Europe. In 2016, the UK was the tenth-largest goods exporter (with overseas exports being worth over £250 billion per year) and the fifth-largest goods importer in the world. The UK is a member of the Commonwealth, the IMF, the European Union (until 2019), the G7, the G8 and the G20.

Question 5

Electronic Communication: First Industrial Revolution

Answer 5

The first Industrial Revolution began in 18th-century Britain with the invention of the steam engine and the birth of factories.

Question 6

Electronic Communication: Second Industrial Revolution

Answer 6

When Henry Ford invented the assembly line and mass production capabilities, in 1913, the second Industrial Revolution began.

Question 7

Electronic Communication: Third Industrial Revolution

Answer 7

The internet introduced the third Industrial Revolution, which completely changed the ways in which we live and work.

Question 8

Electronic Communication: Fourth Industrial Revolution

Answer 8

Now, experts believe we are starting on the fourth Industrial Revolution - the rise of digital lifestyles. The driving force behind this is the rise of the smartphone (four out of five UK adults now have a smartphone - equivalent to 37 million people). Mobile operators are always looking for ways to innovate and make life easier, safer and smarter for everyone.