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'''Scotland''' is the second largest country of the [[United Kingdom]]; about three-eighths the size of its larger neighbour England, but is much less populous; most of the population is centred around the capital, Edinburgh and the city of Glasgow.
'''Scotland''' is the second largest country of the [[United Kingdom]]; about three-eighths the size of its larger neighbour England, but is much less populous; most of the population is centred around the capital, Edinburgh and the city of Glasgow.
Scotland includes the island groups of Orkney, Shetland and Outer Hebrides.
==Merger with England==
==Merger with England==
After the death of Queen [[Elizabeth I]] of England, James VI of Scotland ascended to the Throne of England, becoming [[James I]] of Great Britain. This is referred to as the Union of the Crowns.
After the death of Queen [[Elizabeth I]] of England in 1603, James VI of Scotland ascended to the Throne of England, becoming [[James I]] of England. He was the first monarch to call himself King of Great Britain. This is referred to as the Union of the Crowns. James was also at this time King of [[Ireland]].
The Parliaments of Scotland and [[England]] were not united until 1707 and it is this date that is recognized as the formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The formation of the [[Irish Republic]] in 1922 resulted in the current name of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
==Fame==
==Fame==
Scotland is famous for its disproportionate amount of inventions and discoveries (as immortalised in [[Wha's Like Us]]), its world class universities, the Scottish Enlightenment, being the first country to adopt English as its official language decades before England, being the first industrial nation while still preserving some of the last great wildernesses of Europe, and being the home of [[golf]] and the [[Loch Ness Monster]].
Scotland is famous for its disproportionate amount of inventions and discoveries (as immortalised in [[Wha's Like Us]]), its world class universities, the Scottish Enlightenment, being the first country to adopt English as its official language decades before England, being the first industrial nation while still preserving some of the last great wildernesses of Europe, and being the home of [[golf]] and the [[Loch Ness Monster]].
The symbol of Scotland is the thistle. Other things associated with the country are [[kilts]] ([[tartan]] skirts worn by Scotsmen), and the haunting music of the [[bagpipes]]. Famous Scottish products include [[pie]]s, [[haggis]] and Scotch [[whisky]].
The symbol of Scotland is the thistle. The Scottish flag is the Cross of St. Andrew, a white diagonal cross on a dark blue background. The design originated in the 9th century and it is the oldest national flag still in use anywhere in the world. Other things associated with the country are [[kilts]] ([[tartan]] skirts worn by Scotsmen), and the haunting music of the [[bagpipes]]. Famous Scottish products include [[pie]]s, [[haggis]] and Scotch [[whisky]].
Scotland has it's own Parliament of 129 members as well as sending 59 MPs to represent its interests in the [[United Kingdom]] parliament which sits in [[London]]. Scottish MPs have historically been recognized for their political skills and appointed to the Cabinet in larger numbers than would be proportionate for their numbers.
Scotland's motto is Nemo me impune lacessit ("No-one provokes me with impunity")<ref>http://www.scotland-guide.co.uk/ALL_AREAS_IN_SCOTLAND/Glasgow/Areas/Centre/Mercat_Cross.htm </ref> which translates as `Wha daur meddle wi` me` in Lallans.
Scotland's motto is Nemo me impune lacessit ("No-one provokes me with impunity")<ref>http://www.scotland-guide.co.uk/ALL_AREAS_IN_SCOTLAND/Glasgow/Areas/Centre/Mercat_Cross.htm </ref> which translates as `Wha daur meddle wi` me` in Lallans.