Countries of the United Kingdom facts for kids
The United Kingdom is a country made up of four main parts. These parts are often called "countries" themselves, but it can be a bit confusing! The four parts are England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each has its own unique history and culture.
For a long time, there was a debate about how many "countries" truly make up the UK. The United Nations and the UK government used to say it was two countries (England and Scotland), one principality (Wales), and one province (Northern Ireland). However, Wales hasn't officially been a principality since the 1500s. To make things clearer, in 2011, the International Organization for Standardization officially recognized Wales as a country. So now, it's generally accepted that the UK is made up of three countries and one province.
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What Makes Up the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom is officially known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is a sovereign state, meaning it is an independent country. However, its parts have special relationships with each other.
England
England is the largest and most populated country within the United Kingdom. Its capital city is London, which is also the capital of the UK. England has a rich history, including famous kings and queens, and is known for its green landscapes and historic cities.
Scotland
Scotland is located to the north of England. Its capital city is Edinburgh. Scotland is famous for its beautiful mountains, lochs (lakes), and unique traditions like bagpipes and kilts. Scotland has its own legal system and a parliament that makes laws on many Scottish matters.
Wales
Wales is to the west of England. Its capital city is Cardiff. Wales is known for its stunning coastline, ancient castles, and the Welsh language, which is still spoken by many people. Like Scotland, Wales has its own assembly that makes decisions on certain issues for Wales.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is located on the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland. Its capital city is Belfast. Northern Ireland shares a border with the Republic of Ireland. It has its own unique history and a special political arrangement within the UK.
How Are They Governed?
The United Kingdom has a single government based in London. This government handles big decisions for the whole UK, like defense and foreign policy. However, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland also have their own governments or assemblies. These local governments make decisions on things like education, health, and local services for their own areas. This system is called "devolution," which means some power has been given from the central UK government to the regional governments.
See also
In Spanish: Naciones del Reino Unido para niños
