Read Next
Discover
Great Britain
island, Europe
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites
Britannica Websites
Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
- Also called:
- Britain
Recent News
June 2, 2024, 6:40 PM ET (CNN)
China claims married couple working for government spied for UK’s MI6
May 31, 2024, 2:17 AM ET (BBC)
Tour of Britain Women: Elinor Barker & Lizzie Deignan to headline Great Britain team
May 28, 2024, 11:42 PM ET (BBC)
Surrey man aims to break record for kayaking around Britain
May 28, 2024, 10:07 AM ET (The Telegraph)
Katie Boulter makes it six and out as no Briton makes it beyond French Open first round
May 23, 2024, 8:24 PM ET (AP)
Labour leader Keir Starmer is often called dull. But he might be Britain's next prime minister
Great Britain, island lying to the east of the island of Ireland and off the northwestern coast of Europe. It consists of England, Scotland, and Wales. Great Britain is part of the British Isles, together with the island of Ireland as well as smaller islands and island groups.
The term Great Britain, which this article uses as a geographic designation, is often used as a synonym for the United Kingdom, a political entity that includes England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales and that was once part of the British Empire.
Britannica Quiz
Know Your UK Geography Quiz