The United Kingdom, Great Britain and the British Isles

 Many people around the world, including people who have travelled a lot, often confuse England, the UK, the British Isles and Great Britain. Well, here's how to tell them apart:

England is a country and its capital is London,

Great Britain is a set of 3 countries that united as a single country and has its capital in London. Those 3 countries are 1. England, 2. Scotland and 3. Wales.

When you include Northern Ireland with these 3 countries, they become the United Kingdom (union of four nations), namely: 1. England, 2. Scotland, 3. Wales 4. Northern Ireland.

That's why it's known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Together, the four are considered one country. And when this is the case, London is its capital.

However, keep in mind that these four individual nations have their respective capitals. Consequently, the capital of Scotland is Edinburgh, Wales is Cardiff, Northern Ireland is Belfast, England is London.

Ps: Northern Ireland should not be confused with the Republic of Ireland. The latter is an independent country and its capital is Dublin.

Added to this, are the autonomous, or self-governing British Islands. Jersey, Guernsey, Herm, Alderney and Sark make up the Channel Islands just off the coast of France, and the Isle of Man which lies between Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland.

Also added to this are the Shetland Isles, the Inner Hebrides, the Outer Hebrides, the Orkneys, the Scilly Isles, the Isle of Wight, the ……………

The British Isles comprise over 6,000 islands, including the two main islands of Great Britain and Ireland. While estimates vary, it is generally accepted that there are over 4,000 islands in the UK alone, with around 210 in the entire British Isles being inhabited. Oh dear – confused? You will be!