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Answer:
No, Scotland is not an
independent nation. It is a part of the United Kingdom and is governed by the UK
government at Westminster. However, since 1999 Scotland has had a devolved
parliament sitting in Edinburgh. The Scottish Parliament operates as a
self-contained and fully functioning parliament in its own right. It can pass
legislation, vary the rate of tax and has 129 elected representatives. Its
devolved powers include: social work services; health services; local councils;
education and training; housing; transport; sport; law and order; farming,
fishing and forestry; the Arts; the Environment; inward investment. Reserved
powers which remain the province of the Westminster Parliament include: defence;
social security benefits; foreign policy; immigration and nationality;
employment.
The Scottish Parliament
produces a wide range of information leaflets and their web address is:
www.scottish.parliament.uk
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