Great Britain and the United Kingdom look the same but have fundamental differences among themselves. For instance, United Kingdom describes the political unit that consists of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. On the other hand, Great Britain is the geographical term that refers to the island known as Britain.
To understand the difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom we have to look at the expansive history of the British Isles.
About the British Isles
They are a group of islands off the northwestern coast of Europe and the largest of these islands are Britain and Ireland. The name of Britain in the Middle Ages was also applied to a small part of France now called Brittany.
Therefore, Great Britain mainly refers to the island. Until 1707, the name had no official importance. It was when the island's rival kingdoms of England and Scotland were united as the Kingdom of Great Britain.
Since the 12th century, Ireland had been an English colony, and after the emergence of Great Britain, it remained under the influence of the British crown.
It formally joined Great Britain in 1801 as a single political entity which became and called the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland or the United Kingdom.
Until 1922, the union lasted when Ireland (exception of six countries in the north) seceded. Soon, Ireland became a sovereign republic, and its former partner took on the official name of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom
| United Kingdom | Great Britain |
| The United Kingdom is a political term and is an independent country that encompasses all of Great Britain, and the region now called Northern Ireland. | Great Britain is a geographic term that refers to the island simply known as Britain consisting of England, Wales, and Scotland. |
| Occasionally, the term 'United Kingdom' has been used as a description for the former kingdom of Great Britain from the 17th century onwards. | 'Britain' term is derived from the Roman word known as 'Britannia'. |
| The whole United Kingdom is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, NATO, and the United Nations amongst various other international bodies. | It is said that King James I added 'Great' into Britain to assert his rule over both the Kingdom of Wales and Scotland. |
Therefore, we can say that the United Kingdom includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. On the other hand, Great Britain is a geographic term referring to the island that is simply known as Britain.
What is the difference between Baltic Countries and Balkan Countries?
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation