This educational manual (synopsis of lectures) is designed for second-year undergraduate students of the English Philology Department. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the core English-speaking nations, primarily focusing on the Great Britain and the United States of America. It covers essential aspects such as geography, historical milestones, political systems, cultural heritage, educational frameworks, and national traditions. The material aims to enhance students' cultural literacy, broaden their worldview, and develop a deeper contextual understanding of the language through area studies.