Table of contentsClick link to navigate to the desired location
This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
These names are often used interchangeably, but in reality they mean completely different things. To figure out where geography ends and politics begins, you should put everything on the shelves.
England — is not all of Britain
England <TAG1> is just one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom. It is located in the southern part of the island of Great Britain, has the capital in London and is the largest in terms of area and population. More than 80% of the population of the entire state lives here.
Historically, England was a separate kingdom that arose in the 10th century and later became the dominant force in the British Isles. It was England that gradually united other parts of the island under its crown.
United Kingdom — island, not country
Great Britain <TAG1> is the geographical name of the island, the largest in Europe, on which are located:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
The name «Great Britain» (Great Britain) is used to distinguish this island from the smaller island of Ireland. It is not the full name of the country, although it is often used as a synonym for the United Kingdom in everyday life.
United Kingdom — is a country with several parts
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland <TAG1> is the official name of the state, which we often abbreviate as Britain or UK (United Kingdom). It unites:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland (which is located on the island of Ireland, next to the Republic of Ireland)
Each of these parts has its own identity, and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland even have their own parliaments or assemblies that partially govern local affairs.
A Little History: How Did All This Come Together?
- 1707 year — England and Scotland sign Act of Union, which unites them into the state of Great Britain.
- 1801 year — Ireland joins Great Britain and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland is formed.
- 1921 year — after a long struggle, most of Ireland becomes the independent Republic of Ireland. Only Northern Ireland remains in the United Kingdom.
It is from that time that the state has its modern name: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
And a little about Ireland
Ireland — is an island
Ireland <TAG1> is a big island in the west of the British Isles. It is second in size after Great Britain. The island of Ireland is divided into two parts:
- Republic of Ireland (independent state)
- Northern Ireland (which is part of the United Kingdom)
This is a key difference that is often forgotten.
Republic of Ireland — independent country
The Republic of Ireland (often simply "Ireland") — is an independent country occupying most of the island. Its capital is — Dublin, the official language is — Irish (Gaelic) and English. It is not part of the United Kingdom.
- It gained independence from Britain in 1921 (after a long struggle and liberation war).
- First it was the Irish Free State, and since 1949 — a completely independent Republic.
- Today it is a member of the European Union, not part of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Northern Ireland — part of Great Britain
Northern Ireland <TAG1> is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom (along with England, Scotland and Wales). Capital — Belfast.
This part of the island remained under British control after the rest of Ireland gained independence.
A bit of history: why did Ireland split?
- Ireland was ruled by England and Great Britain for centuries.
- In the 19th century, famine and social upheavals strengthened the desire for independence.
- In 1916, the Easter Rising took place —, a symbol of the struggle for a free Ireland.
- In 1921, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed, according to which most of the island became independent.
- Northern Ireland, where the majority of the population was Protestant and supported the alliance with Britain, decided to remain part of the United Kingdom.
Conflicts in Northern Ireland
In the second half of the 20th century, Northern Ireland became the scene of a bloody conflict between:
- nationalists (Catholics) who sought unification with the Republic of Ireland,
- unionists (Protestants) who maintained links with the UK.
This period is known as The Troubles ("Trouble") and lasted from the late 1960s until 1998, when it was signed Belfast (Big Friday) Agreement, which brought peace.
This post doesn't have any additions from the author yet.
