Which countries are included in the term 'Great Britain'?

Okay, let's break down what "Great Britain" actually means. Geographically, Great Britain is the name of the largest island in the British Isles. Now, politically, it refers specifically to three countries: England, Scotland, and Wales. These three share a single landmass and a shared history that stretches back centuries. Think of it like this: England, Scotland, and Wales are all located *on* the island of Great Britain. It's easy to get confused because "United Kingdom" is a broader term. The UK includes Great Britain *plus* Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is a completely separate country. The Channel Islands, while British Crown Dependencies, are not part of Great Britain or the United Kingdom. So, when you hear "Great Britain," just remember it's the island containing England, Scotland, and Wales. A helpful mnemonic is to think of the 'Great' trio: England, Scotland, and Wales, united on one island.