Which European country is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

The European country made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland is the United Kingdom.

Its full official name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is the island containing England, Scotland, and Wales; Northern Ireland occupies the northeastern part of the island of Ireland. Together, these four constituent countries form one sovereign state.

The political union developed over several centuries. The Acts of Union joined England and Scotland in 1707 to create Great Britain, while the 1800 Acts of Union united Great Britain and Ireland. After most of Ireland became independent in 1922, the state adopted its current name in 1927.

A common mix-up is using “England” or “Great Britain” to mean the whole UK. England is only one constituent country, while Great Britain excludes Northern Ireland. The UK also differs from the British Isles, a geographical term that includes Ireland and several surrounding islands. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have devolved legislatures or assemblies, but the UK Parliament remains the sovereign national legislature.