Diana Szewczyk

I have noticed that many of my students wrongly use the term 'English people' in reference to the British nationality. It is not only incorrect but can cause offence to people from other parts of the UK. This is the reason why I have decided to share with you what it is the difference between England, Britain and the United Kingdom. 

The name United Kingdom refers to the union of what were once four separate countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland (though most of Ireland is now independent and only its north part belongs to the UK). 

As you can see on the picture above, the United Kingdom is made up of:

- England (the capital is London)

- Scotland (the capital is Edinburgh)

- Wales (the capital is Cardiff)

- Northern Ireland (the capital is Belfast)

England, Scotland and Wales together form Great Britain. Sometimes people use the shorten name Britain instead of Great Britain, to mean the same thing, but really Britain only refers to England and Wales. 

To sum up, Great Britain and Northern Ireland together form the United Kingdom.