Basic Facts about the United Kingdom and the USA.

What are the main parts that make up the UK?

Great Britain, the north-eastern one-sixth of Ireland (Northern Ireland), and many smaller islands.

What rank is the UK among the world’s largest island countries?

7th largest island country in the world.

Which is the largest country in the UK?

England (more than half the UK).

Which country is the second largest in the UK?

Scotland.

Which two countries are smaller in size in the UK?

Wales and Northern Ireland.

What is the national flag of the UK called?

The Union Flag or Union Jack.

When did the current design of the Union Jack originate?

In 1801, after the union of Ireland and Great Britain.

Which crosses are represented in the Union Jack?

Red cross of Saint George (England); White diagonal cross of Saint Andrew (Scotland); Red diagonal cross of Saint Patrick (Ireland).

Who is the patron saint of England?

Saint George.

Who is the patron saint of Scotland?

Saint Andrew.

Who is the patron saint of Ireland?

Saint Patrick.

Who is the patron saint of Wales?

Saint David.

Why isn’t Wales represented in the Union Flag?

Because Wales was part of the Kingdom of England when the flag was created.

What does UK stand for?

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

What is a sovereign state?

A country that has full independence, its own government, and control over its territory.

Is the UK a sovereign state?

Yes, it is an independent sovereign state.

What is a landmass?

A large continuous area of land.

Is Great Britain a country?

No, it’s a landmass made up of England, Scotland, and Wales.

Why is it called "Great Britain"?

To distinguish it from Brittany in France or emphasize King James I’s rule over the entire island.

Where does the name Britain derive from?

It derives from the Roman word Britannia.

What did the old Roman Britain include?

It included only England and some of Wales.

What are the British Isles?

A group of islands off north-western Europe.

What are the British Isles made up of?

Great Britain, Ireland, The Isle of Man, The Isles of Scilly, The Channel Islands, and over 6,000 smaller islands.

What do the Channel Islands include?

Guernsey, Jersey, Sark, and Alderney.

Is England a sovereign state?

No, it’s a country within the UK.

What is the largest country within the UK?

England.

What is the capital of both England and the UK?

London.

What is the USA’s rank in size globally?

Third largest country (after Russia and Canada).

What is the USA’s rank in terms of population?

It’s nearly the third largest in terms of population.

On which continent is the USA located?

North America.

Which oceans border the USA?

Pacific Ocean (west) and Atlantic Ocean (east).

Which countries border the USA?

Canada (north) and Mexico (south).

How many states are in the USA?

50 states and the District of Columbia.

How does the USA compare in size to the European Union?

It is more than twice as large.

What is a key feature of the USA’s geography?

The United States has high mountains in the West and a vast central plain.

What is the lowest point in the USA?

Death Valley (-282 ft / -86 m).

What is the highest point in the USA?

Denali (Mount McKinley) at 20,320 ft (6,198 m).

How many stripes are on the U.S. flag?

13 horizontal stripes (7 red, 6 white).

How many stars are on the U.S. flag?

50 white stars on a blue background.

What do the stripes represent?

The original 13 colonies.

What do the stars represent?

The 50 states of the Union.

What does red symbolize on the flag?

Hardiness and valour (strength and courage).

What does white symbolize on the flag?

Purity and innocence.

What does blue symbolize on the flag?

Vigilance, perseverance, and justice.