What countries are in the UK? Comparison between Britain and England

What countries are in the UK? The UK is rich in history and culture. Many historic moments have defined the United Kingdom as we know today. In this article, Thao & Co. will give you an overview of how the UK came to be, and how unique its member countries are.

UK Countries Explained

The UK (United Kingdom) is a large country made up of four smaller countries. These are England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

1. ➤ England: The biggest UK country with its capital in London. England has existed for a very long time. Since the sixteenth century, with its established power, England has exerted a strong influence on other countries worldwide.
2. ➤ Wales: Cardiff is its capital. Wales wasn’t part of the United Kingdom until the late thirteenth century. Even so, the Welsh language and culture remain a defining feature of this country.
3. ➤ Scotland: Its capital is Edinburgh. The country was merged into the UK in 1707, but it stands out with distinct differences in culture and the legal system.
4. ➤ Northern Ireland: The capital is located in Belfast. It became a member of the UK in 1801, which led to the formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, with King Charles III being the King as of 2025. Its government is a democracy.

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Geographical map of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

This map shows the countries in the UK.

Here are some facts and figures about each country:

England

With an area of 130,395 square kilometres, England occupies more than half of the UK’s total area. The country largely consists of lowland mountainous terrain, which is mostly found on the North-West side of the Tees-Exe line.

Scotland

Comprised of nearly 800 islands located mainly in the West and North of Britain, Scotland boasts 78,772 square kilometres, which is one-third of the size of the UK. Geographically, Scotland has two region:

1. • The Scottish Highlands with rugged terrain in the North and West.
2. • The Scottish Lowlands with more even terrain in the South and East. The latter is home to the majority of the population.

Wales

With 20,779 square kilometres of area, Wales covers only one-tenth of the UK’s total area. In the central and northern regions, the terrain mainly consists of hills and mountains. The southern area is a hub for industrial parks and residential areas.

Northern Ireland

Separated from Britain by the Irish Sea and the North Sea’s strait, the country covers an area of 14,160 square kilometres. It is largely made up of mountainous terrain.

It is also home to Lough Neagh, a 388 square kilometres lake, which is the largest one among those in the British Isles.

What country is the Great Britain? Is it the same as England?

“Great Britain” and “England” refer to different concepts. Great Britain isn’t a country; in fact, it is a large island on which there are three countries:

1. ➤ England,
2. ➤ Scotland,
3. ➤ and Wales.

This makes England a member country of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Note that it is also the largest country among its members.

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Differences between the United Kingdom (UK) and England

“The UK” is very different from “England”:

➤ The UK (or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) is an island country that includes four member countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

In other words, the UK is a union of countries under a single government, though each member has a certain extent of self-governance.

➤ England is distinct for being the largest among the UK countries by size, and also for having the highest population. England has a thriving economy and is the centre of politics, culture, and history of the UK.

Differences between the United Kingdom (UK) and Wales

Below are the differences between the UK and Wales in terms of geography and language:

Geography:

1. • The UK: A country made up of four member countries, including Wales.
2. • Wales: A country located in the West of Great Britain of the UK. It is one-tenth of the UK’s total area.

Language:

1. • The UK: The official language is English. It is dominant in all aspects of life, including politics, culture, and education. Some languages are more common in specific regions, such as Gaelic in Scotland or Welsh in Wales.
2. • Wales: The official language is English, but Welsh is used as the native tongue in the countryside and the North and West of the country.

FAQ about the UK and its member countries

Here are some common questions related to the history and geography of the UK and its member country:

What is the flag of England and the UK?

The flag of England is the Saint George’s Cross. It has a red cross in the centre of a white background. The red cross is a symbol of Saint George, the patron saint of England.

The UK’s flag is called the Union Jack. Each member country, except for Wales, is represented on this flag with:

1. • The red cross of Saint George (England)
2. • The white diagonal cross of Saint Andrew on a blue background (Scotland)
3. • The red diagonal cross of Saint Patrick on a white background (Ireland)

What country is Scotland, and where is it located?

Scotland is a country in the North of the UK, and its capital is Edinburgh. The country is famous for its historic sites and unique culture.

What continent is England in?

England belongs to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which is in Europe.

What does UK stand for?

It stands for “the United Kingdom“, or “the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”. It is a country comprised of four member countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

British is the nationality of which country?

British is the nationality of citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Key takeaway

We hope that this article has answered the questions “What countries are in the UK?” and addressed common misconceptions. In short, the UK is a sovereign state composed of several countries with very diverse linguistic and cultural differences.

English is among the most popular language worldwide. The varying culture and law among countries that use English may pose difficulties for both language learners or those who need document translation into English.

If you are looking for quality and affordable English translations, consider Thao & Co.’s professional translation services.

We support over 50 languages, and our linguists are well-versed in both language and cultural nuances. When you choose Thao & Co., you are guaranteed precise, natural, and culturally resonant translations.

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