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Location
Lothians, eastern Scotland, United Kingdom.

Dialling code
44.

Population
457,830 (City of Edinburgh); 790,484 (Lothians region).

Time zone
GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Electricity
240 volts AC, 50Hz; square three-pin plugs are standard.

Average January temperatures
3°C (37.5°F).

Average July temperatures
14.5°C (58°F).

Annual rainfall
480mm (18.5 inches).

Language
Introduction
English is the first
language of most Scottish people. However, Gaelic is still spoken by a few, most usually in the Highlands and on the Islands. As one (Scottish) visitor was heard to say while visiting Edinburgh’s Museum of Scotland, ‘Why do you have Gaelic [audio guides] when only ten people in the country speak the language?’

Cost of Living:

1 British Pound Sterling (£1) = US$1.46; C$1.77; A$2.05; €1.07
Currency conversion rates as of January 2009

Special Events:

The Loony Dook
January
Bringing in the New Year with a chilly swim.
South Queensferry
Website: www.theloonydook.co.uk

Six Nations Rugby
February-March
Rugby tournament with teams from Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Italy and England.
Murrayfield
Website: www.6nations.net

Edinburgh International Science Festival
April
International science festival.
Various venues
Website: www.sciencefestival.co.uk

Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition
April-May
Annual arts exhibition.
The Mound
Website: www.royalscottishacademy.org

Royal Highland Show
June
Agricultural show.
Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston
Website: www.royalhighlandshow.org

Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival
July-August
International jazz and blues festival.
Various venues
Website: www.edinburghjazzfestival.co.uk  

Edinburgh Military Tattoo
August
Military parades, dancing and demonstrations.
Edinburgh Castle
Website: www.edintattoo.co.uk

Edinburgh International Festival
August
Theater and high art festival.
Various venues
Website: www.eif.co.uk

Edinburgh International Fringe Festival
August
Fringe ‘alternative’ theater festival.
Various venues
Website: www.edfringe.com

Edinburgh International Book Festival
August
International book festival with authors from all around the world.
Charlotte Square Gardens
Website: www.edbookfest.co.uk

Edinburgh International Film Festival
August
Film festival with films from all over the world.
Various venues
Website: www.edfilmfest.org.uk

Edinburgh International TV Festival
August
Delegates from around the world attend this international TV festival.
Edinburgh International Conference Center
Website: www.mgeitf.co.uk  

Hogmanay
December
Massive New Year celebrations throughout the city, including a ticketed street party.
City center
Website: www.edinburghshogmanay.org


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