Bit dodgy that Europe one - so England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland aren't countries, yet Monaco and Vatican City are? I did manage all the former Yugoslavia though :)
Monaco and Vatican City are independent countries, or soveriegn states. They have their own government, and are internationally recognised as such. Scotland doesn't have it's own UN ambassador any more than British Columbia.
Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are sub-divisions of a larger whole.
Interesting fact... Leichenstein doesn't recognise either The Czech Republic or Slovakia as nations due to a arguement over some decrees made during and after world war two.
What I was getting at is that the definition of 'country' varies. You could take it as having one government, one monarch, historical borders, geographic borders etc. Just as the definition of Europe varies - do we mean anything west of the Ural mountains (a geographic definition), members of the EU or countries allowed to compete in Eurovision Song Contest?
For example, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England are distinct countries, however they have a common sovereign (hence United Kingdom), but partially devolved parliament. Different laws and currencies apply in each (Bank of England issued coins and notes are not actually legal tender in Scotland, though are generally accepted in good faith). The Isle of Man has an independent government to the UK, so is that a country?
It's all very confusing. :)
(I made quite a poor showing on the US states btw - only managed to name 35. Though part of the time was lost remembering how to spell Massachusetts and Mississippi)
Comments 3
Reply
Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are sub-divisions of a larger whole.
Interesting fact... Leichenstein doesn't recognise either The Czech Republic or Slovakia as nations due to a arguement over some decrees made during and after world war two.
Reply
For example, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England are distinct countries, however they have a common sovereign (hence United Kingdom), but partially devolved parliament. Different laws and currencies apply in each (Bank of England issued coins and notes are not actually legal tender in Scotland, though are generally accepted in good faith). The Isle of Man has an independent government to the UK, so is that a country?
It's all very confusing. :)
(I made quite a poor showing on the US states btw - only managed to name 35. Though part of the time was lost remembering how to spell Massachusetts and Mississippi)
Reply
Leave a comment