UPSC Prelims 2005 Q70: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
Consider the following statements :
1. Great Britain comprises England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
2. England covers less than 60% of the total area of the United Kingdom.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Great Britain and the United Kingdom
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Great Britain includes Northern Ireland | False: Great Britain is England, Wales and Scotland |
| 2. England is under 60% of UK area | True — about 130,000 of 243,000 sq km, near 54% |
Only statement 2 is correct. Great Britain is only England, Wales and Scotland, while the United Kingdom adds Northern Ireland.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Northern Ireland is not part of Great Britain.
- (b) CORRECT. Only statement 2 is correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is correct.
Key point
UK = Great Britain + Northern Ireland; GB = England + Scotland + Wales.
Remember
Great Britain excludes Northern Ireland.
Common mistakes
- Treating Great Britain and UK as the same.
- Overestimating England's area share.
- Forgetting Northern Ireland's separate status.
Exam tip
England is only about 54% of UK area, well under 60%.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — United Kingdom
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Great Britain