People constantly think I live in England or Ireland and very few seem to know the difference between the UK and Great Britain. It is confusing! So, if you've made the mistake, no worries! It is a bit odd to be able to drive south an hour and be in another country without having to go through a border check, show ID, etc. Here's a brief explanation:
The United Kingdom is a country that consists of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In fact, the official name of the country is "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."
Great Britain is the name of the island northwest of France and east of Ireland that consists of three somewhat autonomous regions: England, Wales and Scotland.
Therefore, England is part of Great Britain, which is part of the United Kingdom. The U.K. includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are not countries but the United Kingdom is. The remaining portion of the island of Ireland (that which is not the U.K.'s Northern Ireland) is an independent country called the Republic of Ireland (Eire).
- About.com
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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1 comment:
So Scotland is to the UK what Tennessee is to the US (kinda?)
i love a good analogy.
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