Countries, capitals & regions of the UK
Last reviewed · Reviewed by the BritainTest editorial team
The UK is made up of four countries: England (capital London), Scotland (Edinburgh), Wales (Cardiff) and Northern Ireland (Belfast). This guide covers them in detail, along with the difference between the UK, Great Britain and the British Isles, and the territories and languages connected to the UK. It is part of our "what is the UK" study notes.
Key facts
The four countries and their capitals
The full official name of the UK is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is made up of four countries:
| Country | Capital | Note |
|---|---|---|
| England | London | The largest country; London is also the UK capital. |
| Scotland | Edinburgh | Another major city is Glasgow. |
| Wales | Cardiff | Another major city is Swansea. |
| Northern Ireland | Belfast |
UK vs Great Britain vs the British Isles
- The United Kingdom (UK): England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales only. It does not include Northern Ireland.
- The British Isles: the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories
The Crown Dependencies (the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) are not part of the UK, but are closely linked to it. They have their own governments, while the UK is responsible for their defence and foreign affairs. The Overseas Territories, such as the Falkland Islands, St Helena and Gibraltar, are also linked to the UK without being part of it.
Languages
English is the main language of the UK. Other long-established languages include Welsh in Wales, Scottish Gaelic in parts of Scotland and Irish Gaelic in Northern Ireland. Many people also speak the languages of their family heritage.
What to remember for the test
- The four capitals: London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast.
- The UK is all four countries; Great Britain is only England, Scotland and Wales.
- The Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands, Isle of Man) are linked to the UK but not part of it.
- The full name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Practise this topic
Test yourself on the countries of the UK in the real format, then reread anything you miss. The Union Flag that represents them is covered in a separate guide.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the four countries of the UK and their capitals?
- England (London), Scotland (Edinburgh), Wales (Cardiff) and Northern Ireland (Belfast).
- What is the difference between the UK and Great Britain?
- The UK is all four countries. Great Britain is only England, Scotland and Wales, and does not include Northern Ireland.
- What are the Crown Dependencies?
- The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. They are not part of the UK but are linked to it and have their own governments.
- What is the full official name of the UK?
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
- What languages are spoken in the UK?
- English is the main language, with Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic also spoken in parts of the UK.
Official sources (GOV.UK)
Related guides
View all guides →The Union Flag & Flags of the UK
Study notes on the Union Flag (Union Jack) and its three crosses, why Wales is not on it, and the national flags of the UK.
What Is the UK? Study Notes
Chapter 2: the four countries and their capitals, UK vs Great Britain, the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, languages and the flag.
Devolved Governments: Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland
Study notes on what devolution is, the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Senedd and the Northern Ireland Assembly, when they were created, and reserved vs devolved matters.
Life in the UK Test Study Guide (3rd Edition)
How and what to study: the official handbook, the five chapters, a four-week study plan, and how to revise with practice, flashcards and mocks.
Values & Principles of the UK: Study Notes
Chapter 1: the five fundamental principles of British life, your rights and freedoms, your responsibilities, and the citizenship ceremony.