Multiculturalism in MEDCs Multiculturalism is a major issue in many MEDCs and can be viewed in both a positive light and as something that can pose problems that need careful management. Multiculturalism basically refers to a country or place that has more than one culture living together in close proximity. The increasing interconnections of our world and the ever moving populations of our planet via migration mean that most cities around the globe especially in MEDCs have huge numbers of people of all different races, religions and cultures

Ethnicity and National Identity in England and Wales 2011 Key points • England and Wales has become more ethnically diverse with rising numbers of people identifying with minority ethnic groups in 2011. Despite the White ethnic group decreasing in size, it is still the majority ethnic group that people identify with. • White was the majority ethnic group at 48.2 million in 2011 (86.0 per cent). Within this ethnic group, White British was the largest group at 45.1 million (80.5 per cent). • The White ethnic group accounted for 86.0 per cent of the usual resident population in 2011, a decrease from 91.3 per cent in 2001 and 94.1 per cent in 1991. • White British and White Irish decreased between 2001 and 2011. The remaining ethnic groups increased, Any Other White background had the largest increase of 1.1 million (1.8 percentage points). • Across the English regions and Wales, London was the most ethnically diverse area, and Wales the least. • 91.0 per cent of the usual resident population identified with at least one UK national identity (English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish, and British) in 2011.

The UK has huge numbers of cultures and races, as well as white British people there are huge numbers of migrants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Canada, USA, Kenya, Zimbabwe and other ex British colonies. In addition, there are also lots of people from Europe and countries outside of the ex-colonies and the European Union. In addition, many of the "newer" cultures to the UK are not actually that new at all! Jamaicans and other peoples from the Western Caribbean have lived in the UK for many generations, and many Asian peoples who migrated here now have 3rd and 4th generation families living in the UK. This migration and multiculturalism has been advantageous for the UK. It enriches huge areas of UK cultural life, from the amazing array of food that is available on nearly every high street in UK cities to the music variety we have (the BBC's Asian Radio channel is a great example of this). Other advantages include the great exposure people get to other religions, languages and cultural parties. The UK also benefits from huge cultural events celebrating this multiculturalism, such as the Mela in Newcastle and the celebration of Chinese New Year. Multiculturalism in the UK also highlights what a broadly tolerant and Liberal people the citizens of the UK are - a fine compliment.

Multiculturalism is not without its difficulties however, and these problems need managing carefully managing. One of the big issues, particularly for newer cultures in the UK, is that of INTEGRATION. How can we ensure that new peoples into UK society can converse properly in English, mix with other people and have access to all of the advantages UK citizens should have. Another issue is that of ghettoes, how can we prevent economically poorer cultural groups who move to the UK from living in the poorest buildings in our cities. Language is another issue, and many public services such as schools and hospitals have to provide language services. The last major problem is racism, which still exists in UK society.