Exploring the British Isles

The British Isles

• The British Isles is a geographic area in Europe that includes the large island of Great Britain and Ireland, along with over 5,000 tiny other islands.

Countries of Great Britain

• Great Britain is home to three countries: England, Wales, and Scotland.
• England, the largest country on Great Britain, is known for its rolling hills and good farmland.
• England's capital city is London, home to the English royal family.
• England is located closest to mainland Europe, separated by the English Channel, a small body of water that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the North Sea.

Wales

• Wales is a country located on the island of Great Britain, known for its mountains, which makes farming somewhat difficult.
• The economy of Wales is supported by natural resources, including coal, copper, and gold, which have been mined in the land.
• People and places found in Wales are described using the word "Welsh."

Ireland

• Ireland, also known as the Emerald Isle, is an island divided into two separate areas: Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland, a separate nation.
• Ireland's geography includes rolling hills, many lakes, and rivers, and its land is often used for growing crops and raising animals.
• Ireland is home to many medieval castles.

Scotland

• Scotland is a mountainous country located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain, known for its lakes, called lochs.
• Scotland includes over 700 separate islands, although most are uninhabited.
• Despite its mountainous landscape, there are areas suitable for farming in Scotland.