The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is made up of four countries. Each has its own distinct identity, culture, and traditions.
The Four Countries
England - **Capital**: London (also capital of the UK) - **Population**: ~56 million (84% of UK) - **Flag**: St George's Cross (red cross on white) - **Patron Saint**: St George (23 April) - **Symbol**: Rose
Scotland - **Capital**: Edinburgh - **Population**: ~5.5 million - **Flag**: St Andrew's Cross / Saltire (white X on blue) - **Patron Saint**: St Andrew (30 November) - **Symbol**: Thistle - **Parliament**: Scottish Parliament (Holyrood)
Wales - **Capital**: Cardiff - **Population**: ~3.1 million - **Flag**: Red dragon on green and white - **Patron Saint**: St David (1 March) - **Symbol**: Daffodil and Leek - **Parliament**: Welsh Senedd (Cardiff Bay)
Northern Ireland - **Capital**: Belfast - **Population**: ~1.9 million - **Flag**: Union Jack (officially) - **Patron Saint**: St Patrick (17 March) - **Symbol**: Shamrock - **Assembly**: Northern Ireland Assembly (Stormont)
The Union Jack
The UK flag combines: - St George's Cross (England) - St Andrew's Cross (Scotland) - St Patrick's Cross (Ireland)
Wales is not represented as it was already united with England when the flag was designed.
Crown Dependencies
Not part of the UK but linked to the Crown: - Isle of Man - Jersey - Guernsey