Facts about Britain

State Emblem of the United Kingdom

• The State Emblem of the United Kingdom represents the union of its four parts: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
• Each part has its own emblem: England (three lions on a red background), Scotland (a red lion on a yellow background), Wales (Saint David and the Daffodil), and Northern Ireland (a yellow harp on a blue background).
• The shield is supported by two mythic animals: the English Lion and the Scottish Unicorn.
• The emblem is headed with a crowned lion, symbolizing power and might.
• The emblem features four floral symbols of the four parts of the country: Red Rose for England, Thistle for Scotland, Leek for Wales, and Shamrock for Northern Ireland.

Historic Colors of the UK

• The historic colors of the parts of Great Britain are: England – White, Scotland – Blue, Wales – Red, Northern Ireland – Green.
• Sport teams of the nations wear these colors.

Names of the Country

• The official or political name of the country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
• The country is also known as the United Kingdom (UK) at the United Nations and the European Parliament.
• The country is often referred to as Britain.
• The poetic name of the country is Albion.
• The geographical name of the country is the British Isles, which includes the islands of Great Britain and Ireland.

The Union Flag

• The flag is officially known as the Union Flag or the Union Jack.
• The flag combines the elements of the three countries united under one nation: England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
• The flag features a combination of three crosses of three patron saints: the red cross of Saint George for England, the white diagonal cross of Saint Patrick of Ireland, and the white saltire of Saint Andrew of Scotland.
• Wales is not represented in the flag because it was already united with England when the flag was created in 1606.