Great Britain and the United Kingdom are two European terms that are known for confusing people. Three countries, namely England, Scotland, and Wales, make up an island situated in the North Atlantic Ocean that is known as Great Britain.
It is a demographic as well as a political term. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, is a political term that is used to refer to countries of Britain as well as Northern Ireland.
Comparison Between Great Britain And United Kingdom
| Parameter | Great Britain | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Great Britain is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean. | The United Kingdom is a sovereign state and a political term. |
| Official Term | Great Britain is its official name. | The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is its official name. |
| Area | Great Britain has a lesser area than the United Kingdom. | The United Kingdom has more area than the Great Kingdom. |
| Population | Great Britain has a lesser population than the United Kingdom. | The United Kingdom has more population than Great Britain. |
| Countries | The countries of England, Scotland, and Wales make up Great Britain. | Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom. |
Differences Between Great Britain And The United Kingdom
What exactly is Great Britain?
Great Britain, otherwise known as Britain, is an island situated in the North Atlantic Ocean consisting of a group of countries, namely England, Scotland, and Wales.
The United Kingdom contains the whole of Britain, but Britain does not contain the whole of the United Kingdom.
What exactly is the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom is a group of countries consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and the Northern Islands. The United Kingdom comprises the whole of Britain plus Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom is a sovereign state.
The Contrast Between Great Britain And The United Kingdom
Meaning
- Great Britain – Great Britain is the largest Island in Europe.
- United Kingdom – The United Kingdom is a sovereign state.
Term
- Great Britain – Great Britain is a demographic and political term.
- United Kingdom – the United Kingdom is a political term.
Official Name
- Great Britain – Great Britain is the official name of Britain.
- United Kingdom – the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the official name of the United Kingdom.
Comprises of
- Great Britain – Great Britain comprises England, Scotland, and Wales.
- United Kingdom – The United Kingdom comprises Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Northern Ireland.
Area
- Great Britain – Great Britain has a lesser area than the United Kingdom, i.e., 209,331 sq. km. or 80,823 sq. miles.
- United Kingdom – The United Kingdom has more area than Great Britain, i.e., 242,500 sq. km or 93,628 sq. miles.
Population
- Great Britain – Great Britain has a lesser population than the United Kingdom, i.e., 60,800,000.
- United Kingdom – the United Kingdom has more population than Great Britain, i.e., 66,500,000.
Language
- Great Britain – English is the widely spoken language in Great Britain.
- United Kingdom – English is the widely spoken language in the United Kingdom.
Religion
- Great Britain – Christianity is the most followed religion in Great Britain.
- United Kingdom – Christianity is the most followed religion in the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
Great Britain and the United Kingdom are the two most common yet confusing terms used worldwide. Despite all the similarities they both share, there are a number of differences between them.
The major difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom is that the former is an island consisting of England, Scotland, and Wales, whereas the latter is a sovereign state consisting of the whole of Britain and Northern Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the major difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom?
The major difference between Great Britain and the UK is that the former is an island consisting of England, Scotland, and Wales and the latter is a sovereign state consisting of Britain and Northern Ireland.
Q2. Does the UK consist of the whole of Ireland or just Northern Ireland?
The United Kingdom only consists of Northern Ireland and not the whole of Ireland. That is why the official name of the United Kingdom is “The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”
Q3. Why do Britain and United Kingdom have different flags?
The flag of the United Kingdom is different from that of Great Britain because the flag of the United Kingdom is made from the flags of all countries that the United Kingdom has, i.e., England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Q4. What is the difference between the United Kingdom and England?
The United Kingdom is a group of countries, and England happens to be one of those countries. England is an individual country or a part of the United Kingdom.
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