Great britain: Understand the major differences between the United

Understand the major differences between the United Kingdom, Great Britain, and England, from political union to geographic details. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland—or simply the UK—is a sovereign nation made up of four countries: • England • Scotland • Wales • Northern Ireland The UK is governed from London, with King Charles III as Head of State, and a Prime Minister as Head of Government. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland also have devolved governments for local matters, but Parliament in Westminster holds overall authority. Great Britain is an island located within the British Isles and it is the ninth-largest island in the world and the largest in Europe. It is located to the northwest of continental Europe and it is home to the United Kingdom, which includes Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (not actually on the island of Great Britain). Great Britain has a total area of 88,745 square miles (229,848 sq km) and a population of about 65 million people (2016 estimate). Great Britain is the largest island of the British Isles. It lies to the northwest of Continental Europe, with Ireland to the west, and makes up the larger part of the territory of the United Kingdom. It is the largest island in Europe and eighth largest in the world.