🇬🇧 Great Britain – The Island of Nations
Great Britain is the largest island in the British Isles and the ninth-largest island in the world. Located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe, it comprises three countries: England, Scotland, and Wales. Together, these nations form the majority of the United Kingdom (UK).
🗺️ Geography and Landscape
Spanning approximately 209,331 square kilometers, Great Britain features diverse terrains:
- England: Characterized by rolling hills, fertile plains, and major rivers like the Thames.
- Scotland: Known for its rugged Highlands, deep lochs, and the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis.
- Wales: Features mountainous regions like Snowdonia and a scenic coastline.
🏛️ Historical Significance
Great Britain’s history is marked by Celtic origins, Roman occupation, Anglo-Saxon settlements, and Norman conquest. The Acts of Union in 1707 unified England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain, later joined by Ireland in 1801 to form the United Kingdom. Today, the UK consists of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
🌍 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
The island boasts a rich cultural tapestry:
- Languages: English is predominant, with Welsh spoken in Wales and Scottish Gaelic in parts of Scotland.
- Heritage: A blend of Celtic, Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman influences.
- Arts and Literature: Home to renowned figures like William Shakespeare and J.K. Rowling.
🏙️ Major Cities
- London: The capital city of England and the UK, known for its global financial and cultural influence.
- Edinburgh: Scotland’s capital, famed for its historic and cultural attractions.
- Cardiff: The capital of Wales, known for its vibrant arts scene and sporting events.
🌐 Learn More
Great Britain is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean off the north-west coast of continental Europe, consisting of the countries England, Scotland, and Wales. With an area of 209,331 km2 (80,823 sq mi), it is the largest of the British Isles, the largest European island, and the ninth-largest island in the world. It is dominated by a maritime climate with narrow temperature differences between seasons. The island of Ireland, with an area 40 per cent that of Great Britain, is to the west – these islands, along with over 1,000 smaller surrounding islands and named substantial rocks, comprise the British Isles archipelago.
Other native names
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.svg) Location of the island of Great Britain. | |
| Geography | |
| Location | North-western Europe |
| Coordinates | 54°N 2°W / 54°N 2°W |
| Archipelago | British Isles |
| Adjacent to | Atlantic Ocean |
| Area | 209,331 km2 (80,823 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 9th |
| Highest elevation | 1,345 m (4413 ft) |
| Highest point | Ben Nevis, Scotland |
| Administration | |
| Countries | |
| Largest city | London (pop. 8,866,180 in 2022) |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 65,685,738 (2022) |
| Population rank | 3rd |
| Pop. density | 287/km2 (743/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| Ethnic groups | |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone | |
| • Summer (DST) | |
Connected to mainland Europe until 9,000 years ago by a land bridge now known as Doggerland, Great Britain has been inhabited by modern humans for around 30,000 years. In 2011, it had a population of about 61 million, making it the world's third-most-populous island after Honshu in Japan and Java in Indonesia, and the most populated island outside of Asia.
The term "Great Britain" can also refer to the political territory of England, Scotland, and Wales, which includes their offshore islands. This territory, together with Northern Ireland, constitutes the United Kingdom.