What is the UK
The nations, capitals, people and landmarks that make up the country. Start with the UK versus Great Britain distinction.
Countries & territories
- The UK is England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Great Britain is England, Scotland and Wales only
- Full name: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- The Republic of Ireland is a separate country
- Crown dependencies (not in the UK): the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man
- Overseas territories (not in the UK): the Falkland Islands, St Helena
- Governed from Westminster, with devolution to Scotland, Wales and NI
Great Britain is the main island; the UK adds Northern Ireland. Dependencies and territories sit outside both.
7 questions
Capitals & nations
- England and the UK: London
- Scotland: Edinburgh
- Wales: Cardiff
- Northern Ireland: Belfast
- Dublin is in the Republic of Ireland, not the UK
Only London is a double capital, for England and the UK.
6 questions
Population & languages
- UK population: about 67 million
- England holds about 84% of people
- Recent growth is driven by migration
- Welsh: spoken and taught in Wales
- Scottish Gaelic: the Highlands and Islands
- Irish Gaelic: parts of Northern Ireland
Three home languages: Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Irish Gaelic. England has the most people.
6 questions
National parks & nature
- 15 national parks in England, Wales and Scotland
- Snowdon (in Snowdonia) is the highest peak in Wales
- The Lake District is England's largest national park
- Loch Lomond is mainland Britain's largest lake
- The Giant's Causeway is in Northern Ireland
- The National Trust was founded in 1895
One landmark per nation: Snowdon, Lake District, Loch Lomond, Giant's Causeway.
7 questions
Famous landmarks
- Big Ben is the bell at the Houses of Parliament
- Its tower became the Elizabeth Tower in 2012
- The Tower of London (from 1066) holds the Crown Jewels
- The London Eye stands on the River Thames
- The Eden Project is in Cornwall
- Edinburgh Castle overlooks Edinburgh
Oldest to newest: Tower of London, Big Ben, London Eye, Eden Project.
7 questions