Northern Ireland

Belfast woman: "We all look out for each other. People are more friendly; showing we're not as bad as we're painted."

National symbols: Van Morrison, Guinness, Bushmills, Harp lager, Kerrygold butter.

Wales

Cardiff man: "We're rediscovering ourselves through language and culture, the beauty of the country, friendlier, more co-operative and caring people." National symbols: Tom Jones, Manic Street Preachers, Cardiff Arms Park, coal mines.

Scotland

Glasgow man: "You always remember your roots: the roots are strong. It's your heritage, it's what's in you." National symbols: Braveheart, Sean Connery, Edinburgh Castle, lochs and highlands.

England

Manchester woman: "There are very few people that say `I'm proud to be English'. I don't think there's anything special about the English." National symbols: Lager louts and football hooligans, Hugh Grant, Strawberries, fish and chips, Big Ben.

The survey, I?UK - Voices of Our Times, was conducted by Springpoint, 31 Corsica Street, London. Price £195 sterling