The United Kingdom

[click on the photo for a bigger size]

Great Britain is an island, lying off the western coast of Europe. It comprises the main territory of the United Kingdom.
Great Britain is the official name, given to the two kingdoms of England and Scotland, and the principality of Wales.
Great Britain is made up of:
- England (the capital is London)
- Scotland (the capital is Edingburgh)
- Wales (the capital is Cardiff)

The United Kingdom is the official name of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Nothern Ireland. This means that the UK is made up of
- Great Britain (the capital is London)
- Northern Ireland (the capital is Belfast)

The Irish Republic (the capital is Dublin) is NOT the part of the United Kingdom - it is a free republic.

The Union Jack

The Union Jack is the name of the British flag. 

The United Kingdom consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As you can see on the picture above, the Union Jack consists of the English, Scottish and Irish flag, the crosses of their patron saints. 

The patron saint of England is Saint George. The patron saint of Scotland is Saint Andrew. The patron saint of Wales is Saint David. The patron saint of Ireland is Saint Patrick. 

This is the Flag of Wales (it is called Baner Cymru or Y Ddraig Goch in Welsh, meaning The Red Dragon). You can the Red Dragon of Cadwaladr in the middle of the flag.