OK, all you dear friends in the UK, what exactly is the difference between UK and England and all those places across the pond on that island? And how does Ireland fit into it? I know I can look at a map or a globe, but how do the locals really, truly explain it? Thank you, your still-learning American friend, Jan

thanks Jan.

i have always wondered about this. And i have wanted to travel to England, Ireland, and Scotland all my life. Unfortunately, with limited $$$ and a hubby who doesn't like to travel, ......... i will just have to "settle for the U.S." lol... (i live in California, so i pretty much have mountains, desert, ocean within just a couple of hours drive any direction.)
debi

My apologies. I forgot to mention that Ireland (Republic of Ireland) is a nation in its own right and comprising of the major part of the island of Ireland. As with the UK, the Republic of Ireland is also a member of the European Union and uses the Euro as its currency.

The full title for the UK is: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In reality, therefore, the country comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK Parliament is located at the Houses of Commons and House of Lords in London (the capital city of England). Parliament is attended by elected members from each of the four countries of the UK. However, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also have their own Assemblies with elected members which operate under certain 'devolved powers.' Scotland will shortly be holding a referendum of the Scottish people only, to decide if they wish to determine their own fate by seceding from the rest of the UK. The UK is also currently a member of the European Union and has its own Regional Members of the European Parliament based in Brussels. Whilst most countries of the EU operate under the monetry policy of the Euro, the UK retains the use of the Pound Sterling.
Hope this helps a little. If you're confused, just imagine what it must be like for us lot!!

1 comment

by hightechgrammy 14 Mar 2013

That helps a lot! I'm guess I'm glad I asked after all!
Even though it seemed like a silly question - LOL!

i have learned so much from this site about different countries from people who know & live there, instead of the "news" that we have here. i even watch the world news more now, since i have sense of attachment to the many people i have met thru the cuties site. thanks cuties!! & thanks Jan for asking a question that i have often wondered about also.

I see you have your answer Jan - having lived over seas since 1966 I still consider myself English having been born and bought up there. Sarah.

Jan, you come up with the best questions to ask!

3 comments

by hightechgrammy 14 Mar 2013

Thanks, rescuer, I figure if I'm confused, someone else must be too - LOL! I have learned sooooo much from Cuties you just don't learn other places! We had a whole discussion a couple of years ago about the water level in the toilets in the US vs in Australia - were you here for that??? :-)

by Janus48 14 Mar 2013

well OK...now I'm wondering about the water level in the toilets?!? I had not heard about that. Pretty sure they swirl in opposite directions?

by rescuer 14 Mar 2013

Yes, I was here but I don't think I commented then -- too busy with work 65 + hours per week to carry on a proper conversation. ;)
It is much easier now that my duties and hours have changed.

Thank you for the information.

I too found this all very interesting. Thanks for the info friends, Susan

im born and raised in London, and Im confused lol.. some forms we fill in we have a choice of British, English, or european, I hold a UK passport, perhaps thats why we feel we have no identity lol... i often ask myself am I English, British, or what lol..
Big hugs - Maria xx

England is part of the United Kingdom or as you say UK. We can also be called Great Britain. The UK/GB is 4 different parts which are England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Each country is then made up of different counties.

2 comments

by asterixsew 13 Mar 2013

While I was writing this Sue was too

by spendlove 13 Mar 2013

Snap!

UK is England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Eire (Southern Ireland is a different country, with a different currency and a president.)

8 comments

by hightechgrammy 13 Mar 2013

So, do you refer to yourself as British, or English, or what? Am I offensive if I call you a Brit? Which Ireland had all the wars with England? Which Ireland had all the fighting between Catholics and Protestants? Is it safe to travel there now? Does everyone love the royals?

by asterixsew 13 Mar 2013

Questions questions... Yes its safe to travel to Ireland

by mops 13 Mar 2013

As long as you don't call a Scot or a 2

by mops 13 Mar 2013

a Welshman English you won't get into trouble

by mooie24 13 Mar 2013

I take no offence at being called british, or English :-), I love the royal Family (except Charles cant forgive him over Diana, will never except Camila) but love William and Kate, and Harry , I went to Galway In northen Ireland a couple of weeks ago for a hen weekend 23 of us Ladies went.. had a fab time and the locals are amazing :-)

by spendlove 14 Mar 2013

Southern Ireland (including Galway) is a wonderful country. Hospitality second to none and beautiful scenery. We battled against Ireland for hundreds of years and only managed to get Ulster (N Ireland) for ourselves. The history and politics are so complicated it might start another war to try to explain them!

by hightechgrammy 14 Mar 2013

Let's don't start any wars here on Cute! We are best to leave politics out of Cute!

by mooie24 15 Mar 2013

OOPS I meant Galway in Southern Ireland ( Thank you Sue), beautiful place and wonderful people,, stunning buildings :-)