First Impressions

When people say England, they sometimes mean Great Britain, sometimes the United Kingdom, sometimes the British Isles -but never England.

"England" is sometimes, wrongly, used in reference to the whole United Kingdom, the entire island of Great Britain (or simply Britain), or indeed the British Isles. This is not only incorrect but can cause offence to people from other parts of the UK

England, Scotland, Wales, Great Britain refer to different 'parts of the UK. The British Isles includes many islands not even part of the UK.
Countries within a Country - The United Kingdom
The name United Kingdom refers to the union of what were once four separate countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland (though most of Ireland is now independent).
The UK's full and official name is the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland".
Great Britain comprises only England, Scotland and Wales.

The British Isles - made up of several islands. Great Britain is the largest one

Great Britain is an island lying off the western coast of Europe, comprising the main territory of the United Kingdom.

People in the UK are called British although they have different nationalities.
What are the National identities of the people living in Britain?

Many people think that 'English' is the same as 'British'. It is not!

People who are English are from the country of England. On the other hand, British people are people who live in Great Britain (Britain) and the UK.

Most white people born in Great Britain, although British citizens, do not regard themselves as British and prefer to state their national identity as English, Scottish or Welsh.

People born in England are called English or British and can say that they live in England, Britain and/or the UK. Most people in England tend to say they are British rather than English


People born in Scotland are called Scottish or British and can say that they live in Scotland, Britain and/or the UK. Most people in Scotland will say they are Scottish rather than British.


People born in Wales are called Welsh or British and can say that they live in Wales, Britain and/or the UK. Most people in Wales will say they are Welsh rather than British.


Are the people in Britain ethnically diverse?


"We celebrate the diversity in our country, get strength from the cultures and the races that go to make up Britain today."
Prime Minister Tony Blair, 2 October 2001