The UK consists only of islands. These islands are else quite close to the continenal Europe, but distance between the UK and the the continent has been always enough long for birth of many diferrences between British and European culture. Important fact is, that the UK used to be the largest empire in the world and British people are still very proud due to this. In history, British Isles often stood alone againts their enemies and were often isolated. This has also influenced British culture and way of life.