Chapter 2: What is the UK?

2.1 Introduction

In this chapter you will learn about the countries that make up the Union as well as the various phrases used to describe them. Although this chapter is very short, you should make sure that you read and understand all facts presented. For instance, it is very likely there will be questions about the differences between Great Britain, the British Isles and Britain, or what the Crown dependencies are.

IN THIS CHAPTER THERE IS INFORMATION ABOUT:

• The different countries that make up the UK

2.2 What is the UK?

The countries that make up the UK: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The rest of Ireland is an independent country. The official name of the country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. ‘Great Britain’ refers only to England, Scotland and Wales, not to Northern Ireland. The words ‘Britain’, ‘British Isles’ or ‘British’, however, are used in this book to refer to everyone in the UK. There are also several islands which are closely linked with the UK but are not part of it: the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. These have their own governments and are called ‘Crown dependencies’. There are also several British overseas territories in other parts of the world, such as St Helena and the Falkland Islands. They are also linked to the UK but are not a part of it. The UK is governed by the parliament sitting in Westminster. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also have parliaments or assemblies of their own, with devolved powers in defined areas.