British Isles and UK

[JaneCairns]

What is the difference between the British Isles and the United Kingdom?

[ranor]

the british isles are just Scotland Wales and England (and the small islands around it eg. Sky) but the UK includes northern Irland aswel as Britain ,this is why the full name of the UK is the "United KIngdom of Great Britain and northern Irland"

[jenstar]

Not quite. ranor is thinking of Great Britain rather than The British Isles. The British Isles is all the islands of the group, including the British mainland, Ireland, the Hebrides, Isle of Man, etc.

[ludwig]

The British Isles defines a geographical area whereas the United Kingdom defines a political one. The United Kingdom is made up of parts of the British Isles.

[thewillow]

British Isles is a geographical rather than a political entity. ALL of Ireland including the Republic is included in the geographical phrase 'British Isles' much to the chagrin of people in the Republic of Ireland. However, Northern Ireland is not part of GB but is part of the UK. See: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom

[slimjim]

Why is it to the chagrin of people in the Republic of Ireland? Its just a geographical name. Same as we can say that we live in Western Europe. Or we can say that Canadians live in North America. Or New Zealanders live in Australasia. Or ********** live in the Indian sub-continent. Some people really do need to shed their chips.

[slimjim]

How daft. I had tried to use the proper term to describe the people who come from the country that lies to the North West of India!

[ianess]

UK---United kingdoms of England, Wales, and Scotland. GB---above plus Northern Ireland. British Isles---GB plus Irish Republic and Isle of Man