The Two Main Islands of the British Isles

Great Britain and Ireland: The Core of the Archipelago

The British Isles comprise two large islands and hundreds of smaller ones:

1. Great Britain (Larger)

• Contains three countries: England, Scotland, Wales.
• Area: ~209,000 km².

2. Ireland (West of Great Britain)

• Politically divided: Republic of Ireland (sovereign) + Northern Ireland (UK).
• Area: ~84,000 km².

Surrounding them are the Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland, and thousands of smaller isles. The term "British Isles" is geographical, not political.