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Great Britain

island, Europe
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Also known as: Britain
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British Isles terminology
British Isles terminology
Map showing the terminology commonly used to describe the British Isles, the United Kingdom, Great Britain, and Ireland. The terms used here are a mixture of geographical and political labels.
The difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom
The difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom
Britain. Great Britain. The United Kingdom. The British Isles.
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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.

Island, New Caledonia.
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by J.E. Luebering.