Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee

On Wednesday 6 February 1952, King George VI died after several years of ill health. His 25-year-old daughter, Elizabeth returned from an official visit to Kenya, to assume the role of Queen.

The year 2002 marks the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty's Accession to the Throne. June's celebrations will provide an opportunity to reflect on half a century of economic and social revolution throughout the United Kingdom.

From the work we do to our favourite holiday destinations, no other half century in British history has seen more dramatic transformation.

On these pages, National Statistics Online looks at various aspects of British life, and how they have changed during Elizabeth's reign. Simply select a topic from the drop-down list at the top of each page.

Tell us which changes have had the biggest impact on life in the United Kingdom by clicking on 'Your comments' and e-mailing us a brief contribution.