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Country Analysis – England – Summary

England is a country within Northwestern Europe. It occupies an area of 93,000 sq. mi (242,900 km²). England has a population of about 65.1 million people as of 2011 census report (National Statistics, 2011). Its largest and capital city is London which play a key role in forging integration based on the diverse population. The key language spoken is British English. The major ethnic groups include British, West India, Irish, and South Asian. The key religions include Church of England (Anglican), Church of Scotland (Presbyterian), Roman Catholic, and Muslim. The literacy rate currently stands at 99 % (National Statistics, 2011). With such diversity, England has been able to consolidate its population and create an all-inclusive culture that understands and accepts diversity.

England is the dominant maritime and industrial power and has continued to play a key role in developing democracy, science, advancing literature, football, music and in diverse aspects of life. England was able to rebuild itself and become a prosperous and modern European nation. It’s among the permanent members of UN Security Council, key in founding NATO as well as Commonwealth, pursues global perspective towards foreign policy, and is currently examining its level of integration within the continental Europe. The vote on Brexit continues to cause tension within Europe especially with regards to how the economy shapes, employment, social integration and political elements. England therefore faces key challenges as it aligns itself to cope with the aftermath of Brexit.

UK`s economy faces critical challenges especially with the vote to leave the EU. The uncertainty over business environment means that investors are not willing to finance critical projects essential to drive the economy (Warner, 2017). On the other hand, firms are contemplating leaving the UK and setting up operations in the EU. The short-term decrease in value of sterling is also a key area of concern within the UK.

Other areas of concern include food insecurity as a result of increasing food prices and lack of adequate food production locally. Even though the country has a robust farming sector, it’s still not self-sufficient in terms of food production as it imports about 40 % of its total food consumption (Butler, 2016). The issue of environment and pollution continues to challenge the government as there lacks decisive measures aimed at curbing environmental degradation and assuring domestic environmental governance. In addition, the issue of terrorism has continued to challenge the country. Terrorist attacks have been on the increase in the UK and this has had an effect in socio-economic aspects and coexistence among people (Scott, 2017). In a span on one month, the UK`s terror alert has remained at severe owing to increased terror within the country.

The uncertainty of Brexit has indeed depressed business investment. These pressures continue to hold back and derail consumer spending which has been the core of economic growth in England in the recent years (Warner, 2017). The main issue currently has been that of the growth of real wages slows and inflation rises then the core driver of growth in UK economy is highly strained (Douglas, 2016). This calls on dynamic and robust policies and structures that will ensure that UK`s economy rebuilds and strengthens.

It’s therefore vital to examine the UK through its history and how it has emerged as a country with critical challenges. The key element that will assure of survival and prosperity in the UK is proper policies, structures and strategies. The country can be able to overcome its diverse challenges if it works together and conforms to the spirit and culture of nationhood even within post Brexit. The government stands at a pivotal point where it can be able to influence positive change and ensure prosperity after Brexit.

References

Jason Douglas. (2016) Bank of England sees economic risks from Trump and Brexit. Wall Street Journal.