The British Council is a partly UK Government-funded cultural relations organisation and a registered charity in the United Kingdom.

The British Council aims to build mutually beneficial cultural and educational relationships between people in the United Kingdom and in other countries, and increase appreciation of the United Kingdom's creative ideas and achievements. Its overseas network extends over 110 countries. Around 65% of its income is self-generated through teaching English, conducting examinations and managing aid and development projects.

Founded in 1934 as the British Committee for Relations with Other Countries, the British Council was inspired by Sir Reginald ('Rex') Leeper's recognition of the importance of 'cultural propaganda' in promoting Britain.

In 2004, the British Council celebrated its 70th anniversary.

See also

• Alliance française
• Goethe-Institut
• Instituto Cervantes

External links

• Official site
• History of the British Council