What is Great Britain? Great Britain, often referred to as the UK (United Kingdom) has four separate areas. Rather like the United States, where independent states have their own seats of power, but the complete power is based in Washington - the UK is actually made up of four separate countries - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each has its own seat of government, but the overall power is based with the central government in Westminster, London. A well researched, informative guide to Great Britaina and it's people - great fun and a useful handbook for any American about to visit the UK