The Two Sovereign Nations of the British Isles

The British Isles (a geographical term for the archipelago off NW Europe) contain two sovereign states:

1. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK)
   • Comprises: England, Scotland, Wales (Great Britain) + Northern Ireland.
   • Capital: London. Parliament at Westminster. Constitutional monarchy.
   • Includes Crown Dependencies (self-governing, not UK): Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey.
2. Republic of Ireland (Ireland / Éire)
   • Comprises: 26 of 32 counties of the island of Ireland.
   • Capital: Dublin. Parliamentary republic. EU member.
   • Independent from UK since 1922 (Anglo-Irish Treaty), republic 1949.

Common Confusions

• "Great Britain" = England + Scotland + Wales (island). Not a country.
• "Ireland" = the island (geographical). Contains two jurisdictions: Republic of Ireland (sovereign) + Northern Ireland (UK).
• "British" = adjective for UK / Great Britain. People in Northern Ireland may identify as British, Irish, Northern Irish, or combinations.
• Crown Dependencies ≠ UK. They have own laws, taxes, governments. UK handles defense/foreign affairs.

Total Islands: ~6,000+ (only ~130 inhabited). Major ones: Great Britain, Ireland, Anglesey, Isle of Wight, Orkney, Shetland, Hebrides, Man, Channel Islands.