British Isles: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Oct. 24, 2026

News •

Puffins could almost disappear from British Isles over next 25 years • Oct. 18, 2026, 9:25 AM ET (The Telegraph)

Photos

Map showing the islands of the British Isles with labeled outlines distinguishing the terms British Isles (red), Great Britain (purple), Ireland (green), and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (blue). The map highlights the locations of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the Isle of Man.

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Topics

Great Britain Curaçao Saint Helena Tenerife Long Island Saint-Barthélemy Ellis Island Thera Saint Martin Ibiza

Union Jack, British flag, Flag of Great Britain, British Culture, British Empire, England, English Culture, English Flag

Know Your UK Geography Quiz

Giant's Causeway, Antrim, Northern Ireland. Basalt columns, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Where in the British Isles?

Island, New Caledonia.

Islands and Archipelagos