One of the largest countries in Europe, the UK has a complex administrative territorial division which is based on the principles of a unitary state. The first stage of such a division is the two main areas of Great Britain, otherwise called the historical provinces - Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is divided into England, which occupies a little more than half of the entire country, Scotland, located on one third of the area of ​​​​the state, and Wales, whose mountains got only a tenth of the United Kingdom.
The further territorial division of the country looks much more complicated and is the following system:

• In England, 9 regions are distinguished, each of which contains several counties and unitary units.
• Wales includes 9 counties, three cities and a dozen city-counties.
• The structure of Scotland is the simplest, and it consists of only 32 regions.
• Northern Ireland has 6 counties and 26 districts in the lists of territorial-administrative units.

Flipping through the geographical atlas

Reading the names of the regions of Great Britain, one can come across many familiar names. For example, the city of Cambridge in the East of England region is a famous place where best universities not only the country, but the entire Old World. Manchester in North West England is the birthplace of a football club that no football fan will refuse to appreciate the game on the home field.
The city of Southampton in the county of Hampshire is famous for its preserved medieval walls made of Norman limestone, and the historical part of the Scottish Edinburgh is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the most significant monument of ancient architecture.

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Each of the regions of Great Britain has its own characteristics and historical sights, and any of the four regions of the country is recognizable thanks to its own traditions in architecture, national costume and even cooking.
Scotland is an indispensable color check on kilt skirts and excellent quality whiskey. Wales is able to surprise even those who do not like chivalric romances, because the number and beauty of its ancient castles leave no doubt that those times and customs were beautiful. Northern Ireland conquers with the famous Irish stew and landscapes dominated by all shades of green. And, finally, England will leave no doubt that unshakable traditions are not always boring, but, on the contrary, exciting, informative and interesting.

Administrative division: Great Britain is divided into 4 administrative and political parts (historical provinces): England (39 counties, 6 metropolitan counties and Greater London), Wales (8 counties), Scotland (9 districts and an island territory), Northern Ireland (26 counties) .A special regime has been established for Fr. Maine and the Channel Islands.

Great Britain is an island nation (located in the British Isles) in northwestern Europe. According to the terrain, the country can be divided into two zones: the so-called "High Britain" in the north and west, with a predominantly mountainous terrain, and, for the most part, flat, "Low Britain" in the south and east. highest point countries - Mount Ben Nevis, 1343 meters above sea level. Many rivers flow on the territory of the British Isles - the Thames, Severn, Trent, Mersey, etc., in the north there are also many mountain lakes - Loch Ney, Loch Ness, Loch Lomond.

The name "Britain" most likely comes from the tribes of the Britons who inhabited the islands in ancient times. In the middle of the first millennium AD, many British tribes moved to the territory modern France and the area of ​​​​their settlement was called "Little Britain" or "Brittany", and the historical homeland - "Great (i.e. large) Brittany", "Great Britain".

The first inhabitants of the islands, about whom anything is reliably known, are the Celtic tribes of the Britons. At the turn of our era, most of Britain became a Roman province, and after the departure of the Romans, Anglo-Saxon tribes moved to the islands, IX century AD and formed the Kingdom of England. The subsequent history of this kingdom, like that of many states of that time, was full of civil unrest, coups, wars with external enemies. However, the state survived all the troubles. At the beginning XVIII century, Great Britain was formed, and a century before that, the gradual emergence of the British colonial empire, the largest in the history of mankind, begins - in the era of its highest prosperity, it occupied about a fourth of the land. At one time, India belonged to Britain, almost all North America, Australia, New Zealand, half of Africa, many islands - to the middle XX centuries (some much earlier) all these territories have already gained independence, but some of them still formally remained under the rule of the English crown.

Great Britain is a member of NATO (since 1949), the European Union (since 1973)

Political maps of Great Britain

The administrative-territorial division of Great Britain is rather complicated.

Let's start with the fact that the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland consists of four large administrative parts or countries: England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, combined into two historical provinces: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Each of the countries, in turn, is divided into smaller territorial units.

So, England is divided into 9 regions, which consist of 6 metropolitan counties (urbanized areas of Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Merseyside, Tyne and Wear, West Midlands and South Yorkshire), 28 shires (non-metropolitan counties with several administrative regions and counties), 55 unitary units (non-metropolitan counties not internally divided into districts), Greater London and the Isles of Scilly.

Wales is divided into 22 regions, including 9 counties, 3 cities and 10 city-counties.

Scotland has been subdivided since 1996 into 32 areas or municipalities.

Finally, the territory of Northern Ireland is divided into 26 districts, united in 6 counties.

UK political map

Which shows the division of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland into administrative divisions of the first and second levels.

Download detailed political map UK. Map size 1.66 MB Download map

Map of the division of Northern Ireland into counties

Download a map of the division of Northern Ireland into counties. Map size 251 KB Download map

Map of the division of Northern Ireland into districts

Download a map of the division of Northern Ireland into regions. Map size 273 KB Download map

Map of the traditional counties of Wales

Download a map of the traditional counties of Wales. Map size 117 KB Download map

Map of the division of Scotland into regions

Download a map of the division of Scotland into regions. Map size 93.2 KB

UK is one of the most major countries European Union, Member of the United Nations. The capital of the country is London, the sights of which every schoolchild knows. Formerly known as the British Empire.

Prominent personalities of Great Britain

It was in England that the television was invented. The UK is home to many prominent people. Winston Churchill, Shakespeare, Newton, Margaret Thatcher, Paul McCartney, writer Charles Dickens, musician Freddie Mercury were born here, greatest physicist modernity Stephen Hawking, actress Emma Watson, Charles Darwin - the founder of the world-famous theory of evolution.

What areas does the UK consist of?

The generally accepted administrative division of Great Britain currently includes four historical regions, or, as the British call them, countries. They include England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The UK has an extremely high population density: there are 230 inhabitants per 1 sq. km. At the same time, the population is distributed unevenly throughout the territory. Most of the British live in no wonder, because this territory occupies the most convenient geographical position. Also, it is in England that the political and economic center of the entire state is located. In addition, here are the most favorable natural conditions.

The most important region

England - in which most of the cultural and historical attractions of the entire Kingdom are located. For example, it is here that the well-known Westminster Abbey is located. The date of its foundation is the 9th century. Buckingham Palace has also become famous. Lives here to this day The Royal Family. The date of its construction is 1703. Every schoolboy has heard of Trafalgar Square. It is from her in England that the distance from London to other cities is measured.

The most important district of the country

The leading position among the cities of Great Britain is occupied by London. In addition to the fact that London has a dominant position both in political, economic and cultural terms, it is the main seaport of England. Not far from the capital are the largest recreational areas of the country - the resorts of Brighton and Margate.

In addition to London, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland also includes other cities that function as regional centers. There are ten in total, and this number includes Edinburgh (the capital of Scotland), Cardiff (the capital of Wales) and Belfast (the capital of Northern Ireland), Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds and Bradford.

Scotland: nature and population

Despite the fact that the administrative division of Great Britain includes Scotland, the British often refer to it as a separate country. In everything the Scots show willfulness. They have their own church, their own banks and currency. These features of Scotland originate from the times when it was still a separate state. Throughout history there have been aggressive attempts by England to seize its territory.

The areas of Scotland are among the least populated. This is due to a more severe climate compared to other regions, as well as economic indicators. The capital is Edinburgh.

Scotland is the northern part of the island of Great Britain, as well as the adjacent islands. The area is 78772 sq. km. If we compare Scotland with other areas of Great Britain, then its climate is more changeable. This is due to uneven terrain.

In the process of the stubborn struggle of the Scots with the conquerors, their national identity increased more and more. In 1603, after the death of Queen Elizabeth I, VI ascended the throne. Then the two territories were in the possession of one monarch. In 1707, documents were signed, according to which England and Scotland became a single state.

A little about Wales

The areas of Wales are located on the western side of England. In the north, its shores are washed in the south by Bristol Bay, in the west is the Strait of St. George. Despite the fact that Wales is politically connected with England, it has retained its traditions to this day. The main and largest city in Wales is Cardiff. About 3 million people live on its territory.

On the basis of natural features, Wales can be divided into three regions. In its central part there are mountains over 600 meters high, which cross vast valleys. Lowlands - in the coastal part. There are many river valleys along which enemy troops easily penetrated here in the past. The climate is temperate. Vegetation is very sparse in the elevated areas, but many rare plant species can be seen on the plains.

One of the most famous sights of this district are the stalactite and stalagmite caves. Everyone who visits Wales, first of all, seeks to visit these mysterious places. The cave called Dan-Ir-Ogof is attractive with stalactites and stalagmites. And in the Way of the Nile cave you can admire unusual waterfalls.

UK administrative divisions: other criteria

There are other ways of dividing the territory of the country, for example, into counties, as well as into regions. In this case, the name of the county (in full or abbreviated) must be indicated in any postal item. History has been such that modern UK can be conditionally divided into several broad areas.

The administrative division of Great Britain according to them is as follows:

1. Northern Ireland. The capital is Belfast.
2. Northern Scotland, Southern Scotland. The administrative center is Edinburgh.
3. Northeast. Consists of 4 counties. Main city- Newcastle upon Time.
4. North West - consists of five counties, the main cities are Liverpool and Manchester.
5. Yorkshire and the Humber region. Yorkshire is the largest county in all of England. Included in the administrative unit of Yorkshire and the Humber.
6. East Midlands. The capital of the region is Nottingham.
7. West Midlands with Birmingham as its capital.
8. Wales.
9. East of England, with Cambridge as its main city.
10. South-East with the administrative center in Guildford.
11. Southwest. The largest population center is Bristol.
12. Greater London area.

There are about 100 major cities in the UK. At the same time, 44 of them have large ports. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has traded through sea routes throughout history, mainly with the countries of the Baltic basin. and Liverpool throughout history have been a kind of gateway to the "New World".

Localities in the UK are known for their long and sometimes difficult to pronounce names. However, generally accepted toponyms are also used here. For example, the UK has about 1500 settlements called Newtown.

The UK is divided into four parts: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. And in each of these parts you will find something unique and different from each other. Despite the fact that it is all one country, each part of the UK has its own history and its own interesting places for visiting. What is each of these parts of Great Britain separately.

England

In the north it borders with Scotland, in the west with Wales and is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, in the south it is separated from the mainland by the English Channel, and in the east it is washed by North Sea. England itself is divided into several areas where you can find a diverse landscape and attractions.

South East England. Known for its multiple gardens. For centuries, the most best designers and gardeners who were attracted by the fertile soil and temperate climate. If you want to enjoy the silence and please the eye with amazing beauty, this area is worth a visit.

South West England. Here, like nowhere else, you can enjoy seafood dishes. This region is immersed in sun, sea and colors of flowers and lush green fields. To fully enjoy the beauty of this region, you cannot do without a car. Hire a classic English car and drive along romantic roads from posh counties to fishing villages.

Central England. Heart and soul of the Kingdom. Here, as many centuries ago, one can meet wooden houses driving along country roads past blooming apple orchards and grazing cows. It's like time stops here. This region is famous for its restaurants, pubs and teahouses, and the list is huge. Also visit market towns where you can spend hours looking for antiques or enjoying works of art.

East Central England. The East Midlands are the names of the central counties of England. This part simply breathes history, monuments and solemn events that have been held here since the time of the Roman Empire, majestic castles and houses English aristocrats– you will find everything right here. Don't forget to visit the legendary Sherwood Forest, where the mighty oak that served as a refuge for Robin Hood still stands. Deciding where to start the list of visits to castles and houses in this part is very difficult ...

East England. This part of England is simply immersed in all mental and non-mental types of gardens, ranging from strict and majestic to the most romantic. All towns and villages are in full bloom with different colors. Many places are directly connected with Royal family. Here you can go on a guided tour, or you can go on your own, go to an Elizabethan reception, listen to an open-air concert, or just stop and enjoy the scent of roses.

Northern England. This area will give you the freedom that only a road can give, the ability to choose your paths, to stop where you want and where you like. Discover all the wealth of Northern England, and she will reward you in full. There is no shortage of attractions that are worthy of your attention. Something grandiose and charming, something romantic, majestic and luxurious, and something even whimsical.

Scotland

Located in the north of the UK. This part will not leave anyone indifferent: high mountains and blue lakes, strong whiskey and plaid skirts, the sounds of bagpipes and the elusive "Nessie". Here you can enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine and try one of the most famous traditional haggis dishes - lamb tripe stuffed with oatmeal and offal with bacon and salad. As well as dessert - oatmeal fried with whiskey. Visit the most famous places in Scotland - Loch Ness, the Shetland Islands and, of course, numerous castles. In Scotland, you can enjoy wildlife and active hiking.

Wales

Located in the western part of the UK. Land of amazing landscapes and majestic castles. There are more castles for every kilometer than in the whole world. Want to plunge into the past and history from the time of King Edward I, who conquered Wales in the 13th century. The coast of Wales is made up of rocky coves and limestone cliffs, which are popular with climbers and water sports enthusiasts. It is no exaggeration to say that every town and every village in Wales is worthy of your visit.

Northern Ireland

Located in the northeastern part of the island of Ireland. One of the most picturesque corners of the UK, ideal for lovers of a quiet holiday among the old villages. In addition, here you can learn English language, because this area is famous for its high language teaching and as a student center. In Northern Ireland you can walk and enjoy beautiful views and national parks while visiting the sights of this part of the UK.

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