International Relations : Cultural, Ethnic, Linguistic & Religious Organisations

Q 4 / 6

UPSC CSE Prelims 2005

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?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (b):

Statement 1 is incorrect.

  • Great Britain is a geographical and political entity comprising England, Scotland, and Wales.
  • Northern Ireland is not a constituent country of Great Britain.
  • The United Kingdom (officially the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) is the sovereign state that includes Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Statement 2 is correct.

  • The total area of the United Kingdom is approximately 244,000 km².
  • England's area is approximately 130,000 km².
  • This constitutes approximately 53% of the UK's total area, which is less than 60%.

Incorrect Options:

  • Option (a) is incorrect because Statement 1 inaccurately defines Great Britain.
  • Option (c) is incorrect as only Statement 2 is factually accurate.
  • Option (d) is incorrect because Statement 2 correctly describes the proportion of England's area within the United Kingdom.