England

England is the largest and most populous constituent country of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The mainland territory of England occupies most of the southern two-thirds of the island of Great Britain and shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west.  England ranks amongst the world's most influential and far-reaching centres of cultural development. It is the place of origin of both the English language and the Church of England, and English law forms the basis of the legal systems of many countries. England has a vast and influential culture that encompasses elements both old and new. England has played a significant part in the advancement of Western architecture. It is home to some of the finest mediaeval castles and forts in the world, including Warwick Castle, the Tower of London and Windsor Castle (the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation). London's British Museum, British Library and National Gallery contain some of the finest collections in the world. It is also known for its numerous grand country houses, and for its many mediaeval and later churches and cathedrals. England has a temperate climate, with plentiful rainfall all year round, though the seasons are quite variable in temperature. The prevailing wind is from the south-west, bringing mild and wet weather to England regularly from the Atlantic Ocean. Snowfall can occur in winter and early spring, though it is not that common away from high ground.