UK Geography Question

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Dave C., Oct 6, 2005.

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  1. Dave C.

    Dave C. New Member

    I realise there is a phenomenal intellect on this forum, however the question below is one which many Brits struggle with, let alone people from other countries. Do NOT use a search engine, only answer if you have the info in the grey (gray!) matter...

    What is the difference between the United Kingdom (UK) and Great Britain?
     
  2. intsvc

    intsvc member

  3. Dave C.

    Dave C. New Member

    Not what I meant!

    oops.

    I am British and know the answer!
    I though it was clear my post was just a fun question. I just wanted to know how many people on this board knew without looking in the internet...

    I guess everybody knows now...oh well, maybe I should of done a poll or something...

    :(
     
  4. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    The United Kingdom is the United Kingdom of Great Britain AND NORTHERN IRELAND (formerly AND IRELAND). Great Britain is the island of Britain --- England, Scotland, and Wales. In short, the term Britain does not now, and never has, include(d) any part of Ireland. The UK does.
     
  5. Jake_A

    Jake_A New Member

    You mean, there is a difference between the United Kingdom, (UK), Great Britain, England, and the British Isles?

    At least I know/knew of the British Empire.

    ;)
     
  6. nosborne48

    nosborne48 Well-Known Member

    I remember an NPR skit pre Iraqi invasion:

    (telephone ringing)

    Answering machine voice: "You have reached the Russian Republic. Please leave a message."

    Voice: "This is the U.S. State Department with the offer of a lifetime to join our new Coalition of the Willing!"

    sales pitch ending with:

    "If you join us today, you will become part of an alliance including prestigeous major powers such as England, the United Kingdom, AND Great Britain!"

    I nearly choked on my toast! :D
     
  7. RevPeter

    RevPeter Member

    Re: Re: UK Geography Question

    Amazing how many people in Britain don't know this. Recently looking for quotes for car incurance, my wife was told (by at least three seperate companies) that they only covered drivers living in the UK [we live in Northern Ireland]. Protracted discussions ensued which showed that they all thought UK = GB. The other great phrase in use is "mainland UK", which again means GB. A favourite for TV ads is "offer applies to UK only, excludes Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands", what does this mean, if it isn't GB?

    P
     
  8. agilham

    agilham New Member

    Re: Re: Re: UK Geography Question

    I think they mean that the Shetlands, Hebrides and Orkney Isles (and probably all the other outlying islands) are fine. CI and IOM are excluded because of the differing tax regime and NI is excluded for, um, certain other reasons (mainly to do with the, er, flammabilty of petrol tanks) that we're not discussing outside the politics folder.

    Mind you, I still don't understand the NI exclusion on insurance, as the violence on one side is cancelled out by the relative lack of petty crime.

    Angela
     
  9. uncle janko

    uncle janko member

    CI auto insurance

    Where is there to go, anyway?
     
  10. agilham

    agilham New Member

    Off a cliff into La Manche ;-)

    Angela
     
  11. uncle janko

    uncle janko member

    Don't be sarkastic.
     
  12. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Re: Re: Re: Re: UK Geography Question

    Have you driven in NI?

    They drive so slowly my grandmother from Cork passes them.
     
  13. Laser100

    Laser100 New Member

    London

    I had the opportunity to visit London last year. I thought it was beautiful (architecturally) and the people were very nice.

    If you ever get a chance to go there, I highly recommend it. However, be aware that it is very expensive.
     
  14. agilham

    agilham New Member

    Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: UK Geography Question

    I've driven in Cork, though. They're maniacs! Eight miles of new road to the airport and they all think they're bloody Michael Schumacher!

    Angela
     
  15. Texascot

    Texascot New Member

    Re: Re: Re: UK Geography Question

    What about the Scottish islands? They're not part of the "mainland" but are still GB :)
     

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