British Council is the UK's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. Their purpose is to build mutually beneficial relationships between people in the UK and other countries and to increase appreciation of the UK's creative ideas and achievements.

Through their work in 110 countries worldwide they have reached 86.8 million people last year.  Founded in 1934, British Council operates at arms length from the UK government, from which they receive grant-in-aid. In 2006-07 this was £195 million or 35% of their turnover of £551 million.  British Council earns additional income from teaching English, administering examinations and managing educational and development contracts. They run programmes in the arts, science, education, English language and governance. Everything British Council do contributes to their broader cultural relations objectives.

'As nations become more independent, being willing to listen to other points of view is critical - both to a country's international standing and to its ability to attract people, ideas and investment.  That's why we believe that this work - and our distinctive focus on mutual understanding and mutual benefit - has never been more relevant.'

www.britishcouncil.org