Difference between the UK, GB and British Isles

The United Kingdom

Political union between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Great Britain

refers to the 3 countries on the min island. Including England, Scotland and Wales

The British Isles

The British Isles include many islands, including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Capital cities of the UK countries

London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast

The UK …

which is a constitutional monarchy, consists of four constituent countries. These countries are England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK has complex political affiliations, especially because of devolution, which gives Scotland, Wales ans Northern Ireland their own parliaments and assemblies and administrative boundaries between the countries. The UK is located off the northwest coast of Europe. Because the Republic of Ireland is not a part of the UK, there is an administrative boundary.

GB …

refers to the three countries on the main island. Including England, Scotland and Wales. England is the most populous of these countries. To be able to untangle the UK and GB you have to remember that GB is the big island consisting of England, Scotland and Wales and the UK is a political state consisting of GB and Northern Ireland.

The British Isles …

are a group of islands that includes GB, Ireland, Channel islands and the Isle of Man.