• A very quick look at the geography of being British.

  • British people are from Great Britain, right?

    • Not necessarily.
    • Great Britain is actually a geographic region, not a country.
    • Great Britain is the largest island in the British Isles. It contains three countries: England, Scotland, and Wales.

  • Ireland

    • The second largest island in the British Isles is Ireland. Ireland is made up of two countries: Ireland and Northern Ireland.
    • Irish people are NOT British, but Northern Irish people are!
    • This is because Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.

  • Unlike Great Britian, the United Kingdom is a country.

    • Actually, the UK is a country of countries. It is made up of: England, Scotland, and Wales and Northern Ireland.
    • These countries are the only "countries" in the world that lack state sovereignty.
    • Fun fact: "UK" is short for "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."

  • Who is British?

    • British people are nationals of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories, or British Crown Dependencies.
    • British Overseas Territories are former British colonies. They are not independent and they rely on the UK for military and economic assistance. There are 14.
    • British Crown Dependencies are self-governing but they are not sovereign states. There are 3.

  • A British person is not necessarily a British citizen.

    • While anyone born or nationalized in the UK, a British Overseas Territory, or a Crown Dependency is a "British person," only nationals of the UK are "British citizens."
    • Only "British citizens" have the Right of Abode in the UK.

  • What did you learn?

  • Sources and Thanks

    • Information from britishcouncil.org and C.G.P. Grey.
    • A big thanks to John Pickles (UNC professor of Geography) for his help and support.