April 10, 2016 76 Comments. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was a sovereign state that existed between 1801 and 1922. It consists of the entire island of Great Britain and a northern part of the island of Ireland.

Although the term is often used as a synonym for the United Kingdom, the difference between United Kingdom and Great Britain is … For Americans, the best analogy would be that the UK is like the USA, whilst its four consistent countries are like states.There is a long and complicated history that follows the formation of the United Ki… The United Kingdom is an independent country composed of Scotland, Wales, England (essentially, all of Great Britain) as well as Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the north­western coast of the European mainland.

The United Kingdom includes the island of Great Britain, the north­eastern part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands. Northern Ireland shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland. Often abbreviated to just "UK," the United Kingdom is a shortened form of the country's full name, which is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Venn Diagram Map created by Anna Debenham. Great Britain versus the United Kingdom The map shows the territories of the British Isles … Great Britain vs the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is an independent country off the northwestern coast of Europe. In fact, the official name of the country is the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland." Great Britain vs United Kingdom comparison. England vs Great Britain vs United Kingdom Explained.

While the terms are often used interchangeably they actually mean different things.
The map above demonstrates the difference between the British Isles, United Kingdom, Great Britain, and England.

It was established by the Acts of Union 1800, which merged the kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland into a unified state. United Kingdom, on the other hand, is purely a political term: it’s the independent country that encompasses all of Great Britain and the region now called Northern Ireland. Great Britain refers to the island located to the east of Ireland, and to the northwest of France. UNITED KINGDOM. It comprises of three autonomous regions, namely England, Scotland and Wales.Due to it’s historical power and dominance, there is a tendency for many to confuse England as Great Britain or the United Kingdom.
The UK is short for The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland… quite a mouthful! It is a sovereign state (in the same way as France or the USA) but is made up of four countries; England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is an island off the western coast of Europe and comprises England, Scotland, and Wales.