[scoonie45]

Can someone please tell me the technical difference between the United Kingdom and Great Britain? I what comprises the United Kingdom, but I'm not sure what Great Britain is all about. Any help is appreciated.

[Godot22]

The full name of the country is the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."

Thus, Northern Ireland is not a part of Great Britain, but it is a part of the United Kingdom.

Great Britain is an island which is composed of England, Scotland and Wales.

[scoonie45]

thanks a lot, i appreciate it

[SJFC4ever]

To explain further, "Great Britain" is a phrase used to describe the island of Britain + the islands lying just off the coastline of Britain (eg Western Isles, Orkneys, Shetlands, Isle of Wight, Angelsey and so on). The "Great" isn't put in because that is what we think of it, it is a distiniction.

[rob88]

Was South Africa part of the United Kingdom?

[leg_breaker]

No, it was part of the British Empire though.

[Colm]

England, Scotland, Wales = Great Britain

England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland = UK

[Prenn]

Yay for five year old threads!

[Colm]

Didn't realise this thread was five years old.

Originally Posted by Prenn

Yay for five year old threads!

[three lions]

Originally Posted by Prenn

Yay for five year old threads!

I saw that...Seems like someone is always bringing an old thread out of the woodwork...