The British Isles A variety of landscapes, histories and peoples

2 Surf the web and find the meaning of the different colours which compose the flags

8 Digital Competence

• The expression “British Isles” is a geographical term that defines the group of islands lying off the northwest coast of continental Europe, including Great Britain and a number of smaller islands.

• The United Kingdom (or UK) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland refers to the political entity made up of Great Britain and six of the nine counties of Ulster (one of Ireland’s provinces) which form Northern Ireland. However, after the 2016 Brexit vote, with Scotland and Northern Ireland choosing to remain in the EU, will the Kingdom be still “United”?

• Great Britain (usually referred to as “Britain”) is the biggest of the British Isles and the largest island in Europe. Great Britain is the collective name for the three countries of England, Scotland and Wales. Most people tend to say England when referring to Britain or the United Kingdom as a whole, probably because England is the biggest country.

• The adjective “British” is used in relation to Great Britain but there is also a common tendency to use it to refer to both Great Britain and the United Kingdom.

• The island of Ireland consists of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (or Eire). Eire is a completely separate country from the United Kingdom.

• The Isle of Man, and the isles of Jersey and Guernsey are neither part of Great Britain nor of the United Kingdom. They are selfgoverning British Crown dependencies under the sovereignty of the British Crown. Jersey, Guernsey with Alderney, Sark and Herm form part of the Channel Islands, close to the French Normandy coast.

9

10

Mapping the places

1 STONEHENGE

It is the most famous stone circle built from around 3000 to 1500 BC.

2

Though rivals in football, these two cities in the northwest share common traits that make them very similar.

3

It is a beautiful area in the northwest full of lakes, mountains and valleys that inspired British Romantic poets.Founded

4 LONDON

Founded by the Romans in 60 AD the capital of England on the river Thames is a multicultural megalopolis.

5 CARDIFF

The capital of Wales boasts both futuristic and ancient buildings like Wales Millennium Centre and the 11th-century Cardiff Castle.

6 EDINBURGH

Scotland’s capital city is located in southeastern Scotland and is a centre of culture and the arts.

7 BELFAST

It is Northern Ireland’s capital and the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont Castle. It is an important industrial port on the estuary of the Lagan river.

8

It is a remarkable rock formation on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland.

9 GALWAY

In west Ireland, it is considered a major centre for traditional Irish music. Galway is also best known for its art galleries and shops.

10 DUBLIN

The capital of the Republic of Ireland is the centre of culture and economic power.