Chapter 2: What Is the UK?

This short chapter explains exactly what "the UK" refers to — the countries that make it up, the difference between the UK and Great Britain, and the islands and territories linked to it that aren't officially part of it.

The Countries of the UK

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 commonly used to refer to everyone in the UK.

Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories

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 too are linked to the UK but are not part of it.

How the UK Is Governed

The UK is governed by the parliament sitting in Westminster. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also have their own parliaments or assemblies, with devolved powers in defined areas.

Check That You Understand

• The different countries that make up the UK
• The difference between "Great Britain" and the "United Kingdom"
• Which islands and territories are linked to the UK but not part of it
• How the UK and its devolved nations are governed