England, Scotland, Wales: one country or four?

The short answer

Yes, in everyday use. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are called countries, and each has its own national teams.

No, in the strict sense. The United Kingdom is the one sovereign state, and that's what the UN counts.

So the right answer depends on what you're counting. Pick the method on purpose and keep to it.

Country, nation or state?

Three words get mixed up here, and they mean different things.

• Sovereign state: a self-governing member of the UN, like the United Kingdom
• Country: a place people call a country, in everyday speech
• Nation: a people with a shared identity, which is how many Scots, Welsh and English see themselves

Why the four are different places

Each has its own character, history and flag. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own devolved governments.

A weekend in Edinburgh and a weekend in Cardiff feel like different trips, because they are.

That's why many travellers count them separately.

Why it matters for your total

Say you've been to all four. That's one country or four, and a difference of three on your total.

A few trips to Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast can swing your number. Over a whole map it adds up.

Three ways to count it

Most people use one of these methods.

• UK once: matches the UN, and keeps your total in line with official lists
• Four nations: matches how people talk, and gives you more to tick off
• Mix and match: not recommended, because you can't compare it fairly with anyone

How Gan counts

Gan counts England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland separately. The UK itself isn't a single entry.

The Republic of Ireland is its own country, so it's a separate entry again.

Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man sit on the territories list. They only count if you turn territories on.

You can also tick off smaller regions across the UK and Ireland, like counties and areas.

Fair play with friends

Comparing maps with a friend who counts the UK once? Agree the rule first. Otherwise the Scots will win every time.

Comparing is easier when you both use the same setting. The compare guide shows how it works.

If you want the official number

The UN counts 193 member states, and the UK is one of them. If you want a figure that matches official lists, count the UK once.

The guide to how many countries there are explains 193, 195 and 330.

Questions

Are England, Scotland and Wales separate countries?

In everyday speech, yes. In law, they are parts of one sovereign state, the United Kingdom.

Is Northern Ireland a country?

It is commonly called one, but it is part of the United Kingdom. The Republic of Ireland is a separate sovereign state.

How many countries is the UK for a travel total?

One if you follow the UN. Four if you count England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland separately, which Gan does.

Do the Isle of Man and Jersey count as the UK?

No. They are Crown dependencies, not part of the UK. In Gan they sit under territories.

Can I change how Gan counts the UK?

Gan counts the four nations separately. You can switch territories on or off, and agree a rule with friends before you compare.