Great Britain or the United Kingdom or the British Isles.

by Garry Cook

Not content with being the most history-stewed country on planet earth, the collective of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has made a name for itself as the country with too many names.

The Europeans on our doorstep have a tough enough time knowing what to call us. Is it Great Britain, United Kingdom, British Isles or England, Scotland and the other two?

But think of the visiting Americans also, a bit backward at these sort of things at the best of times. How many Yanks have come over to Britain, done the tourist tour and vowed to visit the UK next time? Or visited Scotland and England but insist they have never set foot on the British Isles yet.

It is rather confusing for everyone, even those of us who live on this fine island.

So, here is what we are:

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all governed by the British Government. No passports are needed to travel between these countries. The Republic of Ireland, part of the same land mass as Northern Ireland, is a separate nation.

Great Britain.
Refers to the single island containing England, Scotland and Wales. Great Britain does not include Northern Ireland. First used in 1603 by King James I (who was also James VI of Scotland).

United Kingdom of Great Britain.
This is the official title of all four countries (including Northern Ireland), created in 1801. It is commonly abbreviated to the United Kingdom or UK.

The British Isles.
This is a general geographical term used to describe all countries and islands which has no real political reference - though some still insist it does not include the Republic of Ireland.

There are other things to note, such as the independence of the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey) and the Isle of Man. Confusingly, these islands govern themselves but fall under the umbrella of the British Crown. But Jersey and Guernsey is part of the United Kingdom in the European Union, the Isle of Man is not.

The British Crown?
Well, that's a remnant of our Monarchy (The Queen) when they used to run the country and half of the rest of the world as well. It retains its status over a number of countries, though nowadays in a far more acceptable manner. The British Crown still appoints the governor of the Channel Islands and Isle of man (though in reality it is the British Government making this decision).

Hope that's cleared that up.