What real-world country inspired the Galar region in Pokémon Sword and Shield?

The United Kingdom inspired the Galar region in Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Galar’s geography, architecture, and culture draw on the United Kingdom. The region contains industrial cities, countryside villages, stone buildings, railway imagery, and football-style stadiums used for Gym battles. Its elongated map also resembles the shape of Great Britain.

Several locations emphasize the inspiration. The city of Motostoke reflects industrial-era architecture, Hammerlocke features imposing medieval-style walls, and Wyndon resembles a large British capital city. The games also use ideas associated with British folklore and the Industrial Revolution.

The country inspiration is sometimes narrowed incorrectly to England. Galar draws from the United Kingdom more broadly, although many visual references are particularly associated with England, Scotland, and Wales. Pokémon Sword and Shield were released for Nintendo Switch in 2019.