Which of the following is a country of the UK?

The United Kingdom is a sovereign state, meaning it's an independent country, located off the north-western coast of continental Europe. Now, what makes it unique is that it's comprised of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Think of it like a team made up of four strong players. Scotland, with its rich history of clans, kilts, and the iconic Loch Ness monster, is one of those core components. The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, while closely associated with the UK and under the British Crown, are self-governing dependencies and not actually part of the UK itself. The Republic of Ireland, on the other hand, is a completely separate and independent country, having gained independence from the UK in the early 20th century. So, when you think of the UK, remember the four countries that form its foundation: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.