United Kingdom or Great Britain? (What’s the difference?)

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This postcard shows the centre of the Union Flag, the official flag of the UK. Geography Cat received it from his human assistants who posted it to him from London. Notice how it is incorrect if flown up-side down:

union flag

Great Britain and the United Kingdom are not exactly the same place, although not everyone can tell the difference.

The British Isles is a geographical term referring to the group of islands off the north east coast of Europe, including the large island of Great Britain, the island of Ireland and many smaller islands.

british isles
Image:WikiCommons

The island of Ireland is divided politically into two countries: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland:

ireland-map
Credit unknown

Meanwhile the island of Great Britain consists of England, Scotland and Wales:

mapofgreatbritain
Map from Pictures of England

Therefore Great Britain is Wales, Scotland and England only. The United Kingdom is the correct term for the political nation which consists of Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England.

uk-location-on-the-europe-map
Credit on image

Geography Cat identifies as English, British and European, and he loves the whole world.

2 Replies to “United Kingdom or Great Britain? (What’s the difference?)”

  1. Good have that clear. I never realized before that the flag of the UK has a top and bottom. Thanks for opening my eyes!

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