The four countries
The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast respectively.
- ✓England — London
- ✓Scotland — Edinburgh
- ✓Wales — Cardiff
- ✓Northern Ireland — Belfast
UK, Great Britain and the British Isles
Great Britain refers to England, Scotland and Wales. The United Kingdom includes those three countries plus Northern Ireland. These terms are easy to confuse, so learn the distinction carefully.
The British Isles is a geographical term for the islands including Great Britain and Ireland and many smaller islands. It is not another name for the United Kingdom.
Crown dependencies and overseas territories
The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are Crown dependencies. They are linked to the Crown but are not part of the United Kingdom and have their own systems of government.
The UK also has overseas territories. These are constitutionally linked to the UK but are not part of the UK itself.
National identity
People may describe themselves as British, or by identities connected with England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, and many people combine more than one identity. Each of the four nations has its own history, traditions and cultural symbols.