UK in the 21st century Flashcards
Describe the physical characteristics of the UK.
mountainous in north and west
flat in south and east
north and west sparsely populated with less roads and settlements
south and east densely populated and are suited to roads, settlements and railways.
Describe rainfall patterns in the UK
highest in north and west - average 2500mm
lowest in south and west - average 500 - 635mm
what is the main type of rainfall in uk?
relief
how does relief rainfall work in the uk?
prevailing winds from southwest have moisture and are carried up due to the uplands where they precipitate.
What is the rain shadow?
the are behind the uplands, where there is low moisture
What is a cause of water stress in the UK?
demand of water in south and east, where there is little rainfall.
increased water usage domestically, industrially and agriculturally
What are some solutions to water stress?
water can be transferred by pipelines or rivers
construct reservoirs in south and east
greater water conservation
What is the land like in the UK?
coniferous woodlands in north
grasslands in west
arable farmland dominating
urban
Give the percentages of the 3 most abundant types of land in the UK
52% - grasslands
20% - arable farmland
14% - urban
What are grasslands ideal for and why?
ideal for cattle and sheep due to mild and wet climate
Why are house prices increasing?
increasing population requires 240,00 new houses to be built but only half are being built
Where in the demographic transition model is the UK and why?
stage 4 because birth rate and death rate are low and fluctuating but there is relatively little natural change.
What is UK population and what is it predicted to reach in 2030?
65 million, 70 million
Reasons for population growth in UK
natural increase
net migration
life expectancy being higher
Future of growth for the UK
ageing population as low birth rate and death rate along w better healthcare and more people choosing to have children later in life
Describe the distribution of population in the UK.
sparsely populated in northern Scotland due to mountainous landscape and harsh climate
mostly dense population elsewhere due to moderate climate and good transportation routes
Very dense in South East, in cities such as London, due to employment, shops and entertainment
What are some factors affecting population density?
climate, work opportunity, flat land for farming, soil quality
How is the UK population ethnically diverse?
13% of population were born in another country
in London this value is 37%
increased white non-British, black African, and Asians
What is causing the UK’s ageing population?
baby boom after ww2
improved healthcare
greater awareness of good diet and exercise
What is the distribution of the ageing population?
18% is over 65
high in costal areas, lower in cities
What are the effects of an ageing population?
healthcare costs are very high
shortage of places in care homes
older people join clubs and travel to boost the economy
What are the responses to an ageing population?
government pension bonds
care, transport and heating allowances
more immigration for younger workforce
Changes to Uk employment sector since 2001
quaternary increased
secondary decreased
primary and tertiary steady
increase in professional and technical jobs
employment in manufacturing decreased due to cheap labour abroad
What economic hub?
central point or area associated with economic success and innovation
What is the case study of an economic hub in the UK?
Cambridge
Give a fact about companies in Cambridge
has 14 billion dollar companies and continues to expand
What is the significance of Cambridge to the UK?
world leading uni
income 34% above the national income
makes net contribution to uk economy
4000 knowledge intensive companies
Advantages of Cambridge
leading uni means highly skilled workforce
located on main routes to London
science park means large TNCs want their businesses there
Disadvantage of cambridge
high rental cost makes students move out of cambridge
What is the UK’s role in the world?
Part of NATO, UN and G7
What is G7?
7 of the wealthiest western countries discussing relevant issues and economic agreements
Case study: what was the UK’s role in the Middle East in the past?
Parts of Middle East were part of the British Empire, so the UK was a decision maker in how countries and their borders came to exist
Case study: what is the UK’s role in the Middle East in recent years?
involved as part of NATO in invading Iran (2003) and since 2015 supporting military action in Syria. Also part of ongoing training and peace keeping activities within the region
What are some statistics on UK Media exports?
employs 1.7 million people, generates £17 billion
