William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Each MP represents a parliamentary constituency, which is a small area of the country.

The UK is located in the north west of Europe.

Famous horse-racing events in the UK include Royal Ascot, the Grand National and the Scottish Grand National.

April Fool’s Day is on the 1st of April.

In Wales the elected members, known as AMs, meet in the Welsh Assembly in the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.

The National Trust is a environmental charity.

Welsh cakes are a traditional Welsh snack made from flour, dried fruits and spices, and served either hot or cold.

The modern Conservative Party is still sometimes referred to as ‘The Tories’.

London has 33 local authorities, with the Greater London Authority and the Mayor of London coordinating policies across the capital.

In Northern Ireland, the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne is celebrated in July and is also a public holiday.

Costa Rica is not a member of the Commonwealth.

The National Citizen Service programme gives 16- and 17-year-olds the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, develop their skills and take part in a community project.

The spiritual leader of  the Church of England is the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The population of the UK in 2010 was just over 62 million people.

In 1348, a disease, probably a form of plague, came to Britain. This was known as the Black Death.

You have to be 18 to go into betting shops or gambling clubs.

People in the UK have to pay tax on their income, which includes: wages from paid employment, profits from self-employment, taxable benefits, pensions and income from property, savings and dividends.

Parts of Hadrien’s Wall, including the forts of Housesteads and Vindolanda is a popular area for walkers and is a UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site.

Snowdonia and the Eden Project are UK landmarks.

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean won gold medals for ice dancing at the Olympic Games in 1984.

Scientific discoveries, such as James Watt’s work on steam power, helped the progress of the Industrial Revolution.

Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own banknotes, which are valid everywhere in the UK. However, shops and businesses do not have to accept them.

Magistrates and Justices of the Peace (JPs) are members of the local community.