What countries is the UK divided into? UK areas. Flipping through the geographical atlas

The UK is one of the largest countries in the European Union and a member of the United Nations. The capital of the country is London, the sights of which every schoolchild knows. Formerly known as the British Empire.

Prominent personalities of Great Britain

It was in England that the television was invented. Great Britain is the birthplace of many outstanding people. Winston Churchill, Shakespeare, Newton, Margaret Thatcher, Paul McCartney, writer Charles Dickens, musician Freddie Mercury were born here, greatest physicist modernity Stephen Hawking, actress Emma Watson, Charles Darwin - the founder of the world-famous theory of evolution.

What areas does the UK consist of?

The generally accepted administrative division of Great Britain in currently includes four historical areas, or, as the British call them, countries. These include England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The UK has an extremely high population density: there are 230 inhabitants per 1 sq. km. At the same time, the population is distributed unevenly throughout the territory. Most of the British live in no wonder, because this territory occupies the most convenient geographical position. Also, it is in England that the political and economic center of the entire state is located. In addition, here are the most favorable natural conditions.

The most important region

England - in which most of the cultural and historical attractions of the entire Kingdom are located. For example, it is here that the well-known Westminster Abbey is located. The date of its foundation is the 9th century. Buckingham Palace has also become famous. The royal family lives here to this day. The date of its construction is 1703. Every schoolboy has heard of Trafalgar Square. It is from her in England that the distance from London to other cities is measured.

The most important district of the country

The leading position among the cities of Great Britain is occupied by London. In addition to the fact that London has a dominant position both in political, economic and cultural terms, it is the main seaport of England. Not far from the capital are the largest recreational areas of the country - the resorts of Brighton and Margate.

In addition to London, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland includes other cities that function regional centers. There are ten in total, and this number includes Edinburgh (the capital of Scotland), Cardiff (the capital of Wales) and Belfast (the capital of Northern Ireland), Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds and Bradford.

Scotland: nature and population

Despite the fact that the administrative division of Great Britain includes Scotland, the British often refer to it as separate country. In everything the Scots show willfulness. They have their own church, their own banks and currency. These features of Scotland originate from the times when it was still a separate state. Throughout history there have been aggressive attempts by England to seize its territory.

The areas of Scotland are among the least populated. This is due to a more severe climate compared to other regions, as well as economic indicators. The capital is Edinburgh.

Scotland is the northern part of the island of Great Britain, as well as the adjacent islands. The area is 78772 sq. km. If we compare Scotland with other areas of Great Britain, then its climate is more changeable. This is due to uneven terrain.

In the process of the stubborn struggle of the Scots with the conquerors, their national identity increased more and more. In 1603, after the death of Queen Elizabeth I, VI ascended the throne. Then the two territories were in the possession of one monarch. In 1707, documents were signed, according to which England and Scotland became a single state.

A little about Wales

The areas of Wales are located on the west side of England. In the north, its shores are washed in the south by Bristol Bay, in the west is the Strait of St. George. Despite the fact that Wales is politically connected with England, it has retained its traditions to this day. The main and largest city in Wales is Cardiff. About 3 million people live on its territory.

On the basis of natural features, Wales can be divided into three regions. In its central part there are mountains over 600 meters high, which cross vast valleys. Lowlands - in the coastal part. There are many river valleys along which enemy troops easily penetrated here in the past. The climate is temperate. Vegetation is very sparse in the elevated areas, but many rare plant species can be seen on the plains.

One of the most famous sights of this district are the stalactite and stalagmite caves. Everyone who visits Wales, first of all, seeks to visit these mysterious places. The cave called Dan-Ir-Ogof is attractive with stalactites and stalagmites. And in the Way of the Nile cave you can admire unusual waterfalls.

UK administrative divisions: other criteria

There are other ways of dividing the territory of the country, for example, into counties, as well as into regions. In this case, the name of the county (in full or abbreviated) must be indicated in any postal item. History has developed in such a way that modern Great Britain can be conditionally divided into several vast regions.

The administrative division of Great Britain according to them is as follows:

1. Northern Ireland. The capital is Belfast.
2. Northern Scotland, Southern Scotland. The administrative center is Edinburgh.
3. Northeast. Consists of 4 counties. Main city- Newcastle upon Time.
4. North West - consists of five counties, the main cities are Liverpool and Manchester.
5. Yorkshire and the Humber region. Yorkshire is the largest county in all of England. Included in the administrative unit of Yorkshire and the Humber.
6. East Midlands. The capital of the region is Nottingham.
7. West Midlands with Birmingham as its capital.
8. Wales.
9. East of England, with Cambridge as its main city.
10. South-East with the administrative center in Guildford.
11. Southwest. The largest population center is Bristol.
12. Greater London area.

There are about 100 in the UK major cities. At the same time, 44 of them have large ports. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has traded through sea routes throughout history, mainly with the countries of the Baltic basin. and Liverpool throughout history have been a kind of gateway to the "New World".

Localities in the UK are known for their long and sometimes difficult to pronounce names. However, generally accepted toponyms are also used here. For example, the UK has about 1500 settlements called Newtown.

One of the largest countries in Europe, Great Britain has a complex administrative-territorial division, which is based on the principles of a unitary state. The first stage of such a division is the two main areas of Great Britain, otherwise called the historical provinces - Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is divided into England, which occupies a little more than half of the territory of the entire country, Scotland, located on one third of the area of ​​​​the state, and Wales, whose mountains got only a tenth of the United Kingdom.
The further territorial division of the country looks much more complicated and is the following system:

• In England, 9 regions are distinguished, each of which contains several counties and unitary units.
• Wales includes 9 counties, three cities and a dozen city-counties.
• The structure of Scotland is the simplest, and it consists of only 32 regions.
• Northern Ireland has 6 counties and 26 districts in the lists of territorial-administrative units.

Flipping through the geographical atlas

Reading the names of the regions of Great Britain, one can come across many familiar names. For example, the city of Cambridge in the East of England region is a famous place where best universities not only the country, but the entire Old World. Manchester in North West England is the birthplace of a football club that no football fan will refuse to appreciate the game on the home field.
The city of Southampton in the county of Hampshire is famous for its preserved medieval walls from Norman limestone, and the historical part of Scottish Edinburgh is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the most significant monument of ancient architecture.

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Each of the regions of the UK has its own characteristics and historical sights, and any of the four regions of the country is recognizable due to its own traditions in architecture, national costume and even cooking.
Scotland is an indispensable color check on kilt skirts and excellent quality whiskey. Wales is able to surprise even those who do not like chivalric romances, because the number and beauty of its ancient castles leave no doubt that those times and customs were beautiful. Northern Ireland conquers with the famous Irish stew and landscapes dominated by all shades of green. And, finally, England will leave no doubt that unshakable traditions are not always boring, but, on the contrary, exciting, informative and interesting.

The article gives an understanding of what territories are part of the UK, and answers the question of what is the reason for this. The material contains Interesting Facts about the historical formation of the state. It becomes clear what historical period became a turning point in the development of the country, and Great Britain took shape in a world power known to everyone.

What parts does the United Kingdom consist of?

Great Britain is a Western European power, localized in the British Isles and separated from Europe (mainland) by the North Sea and two straits.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain consists of:

• England;
• Scotland;
• Wales;
• Northern Ireland.

The latter occupies only the northern part of the island of Ireland.

The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea.

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The total area of ​​the state is 244 thousand square meters. km.

Briefly, the country is called the United Kingdom, as well as Great Britain or Britain. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who acts as the reigning monarch.

Rice. 1. Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

The United Kingdom was formed for quite a long time. In the Middle Ages, only a number of small states-principalities were located on the territory of the present state. In the 11th century, a feudal state with sole control was already formed on the site of present-day Great Britain.

Rice. 2. Division of Great Britain on the map.

If we disassemble the United Kingdom of Great Britain into its "component" parts, we get the following picture: England is the historical basis of the whole kingdom; Scotland is a territory over which the English fought for a long time; the Principality of Wales - the original territory of residence of the Welsh; Northern Ireland is a region that is characterized by separatist initiative.

In Northern Ireland, there is an "Irish Republican Army", which has as its main goal isolation from the United Kingdom.

This gives a brief idea of ​​how many countries there are in the UK.

crown lands

Today, almost a dozen small territories are under British sovereignty (14). The Queen of England is now the official ruler in 16 Commonwealth states.

The structure of Britain includes the "crown lands" - the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Crown lands are the property of the British Crown, which is not included in the United Kingdom, but is not a foreign territory. Crown lands have not had colonial status throughout their history.

Each such territory has individual car license plates and a personal postal code.

For example, the Isle of Man postal service issues its own stamps, which are bought with great pleasure by collectors and amateur philatelists.

Rice. 3. Isle of Man, postage stamps.

Some crown territories mint their own coins and issue paper money. They are not recognized as an official means of payment in the UK, but are often accepted as payment in many establishments in the country.

What have we learned?

We found out exactly how the principle of territorial division of the United Kingdom of Great Britain should be understood. We learned which countries are directly part of the UK. Familiarize yourself with the concept of "crown lands". Got interesting information regarding these areas. We realized that formally Great Britain owns not only the territories that are part of the United Kingdom.

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Administrative division: Great Britain is divided into 4 administrative and political parts (historical provinces): England (39 counties, 6 metropolitan counties and Greater London), Wales (8 counties), Scotland (9 districts and an island territory), Northern Ireland (26 counties) .A special regime has been established for Fr. Maine and the Channel Islands.

Great Britain is an island nation (located in the British Isles) in northwestern Europe. According to the terrain, the country can be divided into two zones: the so-called " High Britain” in the north and west, with a predominantly mountainous terrain, and, for the most part, flat, “Low Britain” in the south and east. highest point countries - Mount Ben Nevis, 1343 meters above sea level. Many rivers flow on the territory of the British Isles - the Thames, Severn, Trent, Mersey, etc., in the north there are also many mountain lakes - Loch Ney, Loch Ness, Loch Lomond.

The name "Britain" most likely comes from the tribes of the Britons who inhabited the islands in ancient times. In the middle of the first millennium AD, many British tribes moved to the territory modern France and the area of ​​​​their settlement was called "Little Britain" or "Brittany", and the historical homeland - "Great (i.e. large) Brittany", "Great Britain".

The first inhabitants of the islands, about whom anything is reliably known, are the Celtic tribes of the Britons. At the turn of our era, most of Britain became a Roman province, and after the departure of the Romans, Anglo-Saxon tribes moved to the islands, IX century AD and formed the Kingdom of England. The subsequent history of this kingdom, like that of many states of that time, was full of civil unrest, coups, wars with external enemies. However, the state survived all the troubles. At first XVIII century, Great Britain was formed, and a century before that, the gradual emergence of the British colonial empire, the largest in the history of mankind, begins - in the era of its highest prosperity, it occupied about a fourth of the land. At one time, India belonged to Britain, almost all of North America, Australia, New Zealand, half of Africa, many islands - to the middle XX centuries (some much earlier) all these territories have already gained independence, but some of them still formally remained under the rule of the English crown.

Great Britain is a member of NATO (since 1949), the European Union (since 1973)