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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Great Britain
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(land area 227,453sq.km/87,820sq.m, population 54.9 million in 1991) The largest island of the *British Isles, comprising England, Scotland and Wales. The name was not much used until *James I and VI inherited the crowns of both England (already incorporating Wales) and Scotland, so becoming the first ruler of the entire island and being described as king of Great Britain. The inclusion of Ireland, effective from 1801, caused the country to be known as the *United Kingdom. But in some contexts, such as certain international sports, Great Britain is still used to describe the nation, including Northern Ireland.
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