Section 1
What is the UK?
The Full Name
The full name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is a mouthful, but each bit means something:
- Great Britain = England + Scotland + Wales (the big island)
- The United Kingdom = Great Britain + Northern Ireland
- The British Isles = the UK + the Republic of Ireland + the Isle of Man + the Channel Islands (a geographical term, not a political one)
Easy Mix-Up
People often say "England" when they mean the whole UK. England is just one of four countries inside the UK. The others are Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Crown Dependencies
The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, etc.) are not part of the UK. They are self-governing possessions of the Crown — they make their own laws but the UK looks after their defence and international relations.
Know This for the Test
You will almost certainly get a question about the difference between Great Britain, the British Isles, and the UK. Memorise it!
Quick Facts
- Capital cities: London (England), Edinburgh (Scotland), Cardiff (Wales), Belfast (Northern Ireland)
- Currency: Pound sterling (£)
- Official languages: English (main), plus Welsh in Wales, Scottish Gaelic and Scots in Scotland, Irish and Ulster Scots in Northern Ireland