UK Countries and Regions

The United Kingdom is made up of four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. They share many national institutions but have distinct identities and, in several policy areas, different laws and public services.

England

England is commonly divided into nine regions: North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West.

Scotland

Scotland combines major cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee with the Highlands, islands, national parks and extensive coastal areas.

Wales

Wales includes Cardiff and Swansea in the south, Newport in the south-east, rural mid-Wales, northern communities and three national parks.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland includes Belfast and Derry/Londonderry, the Causeway Coast, the Mourne Mountains, lakelands and rural border counties.

Future regional pages will explain transport, principal cities, landscape, language considerations, seasonal events and how local rules differ where relevant.