England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: what each name includes and when to use them. In this guide, we have gathered the key points so you can organise yourself at your own pace and with more confidence.
What is the United Kingdom
The official name of the state is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. London is the capital of both the United Kingdom and England; Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast are the capitals of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Using 'England' to refer to the entire United Kingdom leaves out three of its four countries. In forms and news reports, 'UK' is the English abbreviation for the United Kingdom.
What is Great Britain
Great Britain is the large island containing England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland is on the island of Ireland, so it forms part of the United Kingdom, but not Great Britain.
A way to remember it: Great Britain is the three countries on the island; the United Kingdom brings those three together with Northern Ireland.
If you are talking about citizenship, laws or state institutions, 'United Kingdom' is usually the precise term.
And what about the Republic of Ireland and the nearby islands?
The Republic of Ireland is an independent state and is not part of the United Kingdom. The island of Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are also not part of the United Kingdom: they are Crown Dependencies with their own institutions. 'British Isles' is a geographical term that can be controversial in Ireland; it is best to name specific territories when precision matters.