This section explains the different parts of the United Kingdom, and what areas are considered part of ‘Britain’. Here’s a breakdown:

The UK includes:

• England: The largest country in the UK.
• Scotland: Located north of England.
• Wales: Located west of England.
• Northern Ireland: Occupies the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland.

Important Distinctions:

• Great Britain: This term refers only to England, Scotland, and Wales. It does not include Northern Ireland.
• The British Isles: This geographic term includes Great Britain, Ireland (both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland), and surrounding smaller islands.
• ‘Britain’ in this book: While technically inaccurate, this book uses “Britain” and “British” to refer to the entire United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, for simplicity.

Other Territories:

• Crown Dependencies: These are self-governing islands with close ties to the UK but are not officially part of it. They include the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
• British Overseas Territories: These are territories located around the world that have a historical link with the UK but are not part of it. Examples include St Helena and the Falkland Islands.

Government:

• The UK Parliament in Westminster governs the entire country.
• Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own parliaments or assemblies with varying degrees of self-governance in certain areas.

Key takeaway: Make sure you understand which countries make up the UK.