Chapter 2
The UK, Great Britain and the islands
Four countries, one Parliament at Westminster, and several islands that are linked to the UK without being part of it.
By the end you should know
- Name the four countries of the UK
- Explain the difference between the UK and Great Britain
- Know what Crown dependencies and overseas territories are
The United Kingdom is made up of four countries. Its full official name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Which countries make up the United Kingdom?
Key factEngland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What does 'Great Britain' refer to?
Key factEngland, Scotland and Wales only — not Northern Ireland.
What is the official name of the country?
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The UK is governed by Parliament at Westminster in London. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also have their own parliaments or assemblies, which make decisions on some matters for their own country (this is called devolution).
Where does the UK Parliament sit?
Key factWestminster, in London.
Which parts of the UK have devolved governments?
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own parliament or assembly with powers over some matters.
Islands linked to the UK
Some islands are closely linked to the UK but are not part of it. The Crown dependencies have their own governments, and the British overseas territories are linked to the UK in different ways.
What are the Crown dependencies?
Key factThe Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. They have their own governments and are not part of the UK.
What are British overseas territories? Give examples.
Territories linked to the UK but not part of it, such as the Falkland Islands and St Helena.
Exam tip: 'Great Britain' never includes Northern Ireland. If a question asks about Great Britain, the answer is England, Scotland and Wales.