A NATION of "overweight, sex-and-celebrity-obsessed TV addicts", is the verdict of the new Rough Guide to England. In comments that some tourists may find unsettling, the new guide goes on to say that attempting a conversation with a stranger "can be seen as tantamount to physical assault".

"Commuters suffer over-priced, under-funded public transport" says the guide, and it goes on to complain that "many towns consist of identikit retail zones".

According to the publisher, "England is a country where accent and vocabulary can stamp a person's identity like a brand". The Rough Guide, intended for tourists visiting the UK, as well as local holiday-makers, declares: "a tiny aristocracy, who in some cases trace their roots to the Norman Conquest of the eleventh century, still own most of the land."

But the new guide to England is not entirely negative about the English. It has a soft spot for other facets of the national character, like "animal-loving, tea-drinking, charity donors thriving on irony and Radio 4."

It claims the country is "a genuine haven for refugees" and praises the "thriving pop culture" and "dynamic fashion, music and arts scenes".

The book also has good things to say about the English seaside, naming the country's top ten beaches and coastal beauty spots. Top of the list is Par Beach, St Martin's, Isles of Scilly.