Independent study & practice
The Union
22 questions · Keep the three geographical terms separate. Study the notes, then practise without the clock.
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Study notes: make the connections
Keep the three geographical terms separate
The United Kingdom has four countries. Great Britain has three: England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland is in the UK but outside Great Britain. The Republic of Ireland is independent.
Crown dependencies and overseas territories have links to the UK but do not form part of it. Learn the Isle of Man and Channel Islands separately from St Helena and the Falkland Islands.
| Knowledge check | Fact to remember |
|---|---|
| Which is the UK’s full official name? | The full name includes Great Britain and Northern Ireland. |
| How many countries make up the UK? | The UK comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. |
| Which list contains all the countries of Great Britain? | Great Britain excludes Northern Ireland. |
| Which UK country is on the island of Ireland? | Northern Ireland is part of the UK on the island of Ireland. |
| Where does the UK Parliament sit? | The UK Parliament meets at Westminster. |
| What are the Isle of Man and Channel Islands called? | These islands have their own governments and are Crown dependencies. |
| Which is a British overseas territory rather than a UK country? | The Falkland Islands are linked to the UK but do not form part of it. |
| Which is another overseas territory mentioned in the handbook? | St Helena is a British overseas territory. |
| What is the status of the rest of Ireland outside Northern Ireland? | The rest of Ireland is an independent state. |
| What does devolution allow? | Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have devolved powers in defined areas. |
Handbook reference: Chapter 2: What is the UK? — What is the UK?. These are original revision notes, not a reproduction of the handbook.
Three quick study checks
Which is the UK’s full official name?
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The full name includes Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
How many countries make up the UK?
Four
The UK comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Which list contains all the countries of Great Britain?
England, Scotland and Wales
Great Britain excludes Northern Ireland.