1. Different Names for Britain and Its Parts

While reading English books, one is likely to be a little confused by coming across different names. The official name of the United Kingdom is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland （U.K.）. Its geographical names are the British Isles, Great Britain and England. While in informal occasions, it is often called Britain or Great Britain.

There are three political divisions on the island of Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales.

The British Isles are made up of two large islands—Great Britain （the larger one） and Ireland, and hundreds of small ones. England is in the southern part of Great Britain and it is the largest, most populous section. Scotland lies in the north of Great Britain. It has three natural zones （the Highlands in the north; the Central Lowlands; the south Uplands）. Its capital is Edinburgh. Wales is in the west of Great Britain with Cardiff as its capital. Northern Irelandis the fourth region of the U.K. Its capital is located in Belfast.

The Commonwealth （of nations） is a free association of independent countries that were once colonies of Britain. It was founded in 1931, and has 50 member countries until 1991.