90.7 million International arrivals in 2002; from outside the Common Travel Area; 12.2 million were non EEA nationals
139,675 people granted settlement in 2003
119,000 was the total number of work permit holders and dependants admitted in 2002
How well off a nation is at a point in time, is indicated by the level of GDP. GDP in the UK is £1,300,000. This suggests that the UK is quite a rich and prosperous country.
Social reasons: it's a multi-cultural society, highly tolerant of all lifestyles and has low rates of crime.
Employment factors: low unemployment rate (under 5%), high job turnover rate creating opportunities, typical work week of 35 hours, generous leave, statutory maternity and paternity benefits, 12 public holidays and good salaries.
Economic criteria: Fourth largest economy, not prone to wild swings in performance, a strong currency, low inflation (3%), the world's most even distribution of wealth and surprisingly low taxes.
Cultural wants: cultural and historical activities and sites galore; international travel is cheap and easy.
Education needs: sophisticated world-leading education facilities; world famous universities; free state schools attended by over 90% of school-age children with the balance attending private schools.
Healthcare concerns: world-class free healthcare system available to all.
Welfare: a large welfare system to help you out; if one of life's disasters befalls you.
Nothing defines a country more than it's culture and traditions. The British culture is as diverse as can be and very rich in history.
The United Kingdom is home to a multicultural population, partly as the legacy of empire.
It has a rich literary heritage encompassing the works of Englishman William Shakespeare, Scot Robert Burns, Welshman Dylan Thomas and Northern Irishman Seamus Heaney.
The UK has been at the forefront of youth culture since the heyday of the Beatles and Rolling Stones in the 1960s
There is a wide mix of cultures in the UK. In London, there are foreign communities from most parts of the world.
British people are usually tolerant to foreigners, and respect the freedom to have different opinions and beliefs.
The UK is close to the many different countries of continental Europe. You have the opportunity to experience a variety of different cultures of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Germany, Spain, Portugal and other countries.
Accredited qualifications obtained from British schools and universities are recognised in most parts of the world.
Britain has an interesting history and is good at preserving its traditions and old buildings and gardens. There are many museums and art galleries.
Migration into the country in the year 2004 was 513,000
