Cultural information about Great Britain

   The 'Union Jack', or the flag

                        of the United Kingdom

Students can sometimes be confused by the terms Great Britain, England and the UK. The United Kingdom (UK) is composed by four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The complete name is "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland." England, Scotland and Wales make up Great Britain (GB ,  or just Britain). Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland make up the island of Ireland. The British Isles is another name for Great Britain and Ireland. Each of the four countries has its own flag, which, when superimposed, form what is known as the Union Jack.