Countries, capitals and the Crown
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.
There are also several islands closely linked with the UK but not part of it: the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. These are called Crown dependencies and have their own governments.
There are also British overseas territories in other parts of the world, such as St Helena and the Falkland Islands. They are linked to the UK but are not part of it.
The UK is governed by the Parliament in Westminster, London. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also have their own parliaments or assemblies with devolved powers.
Key facts
- Capital cities: London (England and the UK), Edinburgh (Scotland), Cardiff (Wales), Belfast (Northern Ireland).
- Great Britain = England + Scotland + Wales.
- UK = Great Britain + Northern Ireland.
- Crown dependencies (not part of the UK): Channel Islands, Isle of Man.
- British overseas territories include St Helena and the Falkland Islands.
Memory tips
- Capitals: “Lovely Edinburgh Can Beat” — London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland).
- Crown dependencies are close to home (Channel Islands, Isle of Man). Overseas territories are far away (St Helena, Falklands).
Practice questions
1. Which countries make up Great Britain?
- England, Scotland and Wales
- England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- England and Scotland only
- England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Show answer
Great Britain refers only to England, Scotland and Wales. The UK also includes Northern Ireland.
2. What is the official name of the country?
- Great Britain
- The British Isles
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- The United Kingdom of England and Scotland
Show answer
The official name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
3. What is the capital city of Wales?
- Swansea
- Cardiff
- Newport
- Bangor
Show answer
Cardiff is the capital of Wales.
4. What is the capital city of Northern Ireland?
- Belfast
- Londonderry
- Armagh
- Dublin
Show answer
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland, which is a separate country.
5. What is the capital city of Scotland?
- Glasgow
- Aberdeen
- Edinburgh
- Dundee
Show answer
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. Glasgow is its largest city.
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