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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK, or Great Britain,See British Isles (terminology) for further explanation of the usage of the term "Britain" in geographical and political contexts. is a sovereign island countryEncyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved on 2007-09-25.�“Island country located off the north-western coast of mainland Europe”www.number-10.gov.uk. Countries within a country. Retrieved on 2007-06-13.�“Countries within a country” located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe comprising of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.It includes the island of Great Britain, the northeast part of the island of Ireland and many small islands. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK with a land border, sharing it with the Republic of Ireland.Member States: United Kingdom. UK Presidency of the EU 2005. Retrieved on May 29, []. Apart from this land border, the UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel and the Irish Sea. The largest island, Great Britain, is linked to France by the Channel Tunnel.