The uniting of the Kingdoms of Scotland and England to form the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707 is one of the most important moments in the island's story.

BBC: Scotland politics

It was in 1922 that 26 counties of Ireland gained independence from London following negotiations which led to the other six counties, part of the province of Ulster, remaining in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

BBC: Ireland profile

President Obama and the First Lady will welcome Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and his wife, Samantha Cameron, to the White House for an Official Visit with a State Dinner on March 13-14, 2012.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

In 1801, the Act of Union between Great Britain and Ireland became effective, creating the United Kingdom.

CNN: Thursday,

We think that it reflects the new quality of relations between Russia and Great Britain, over recent years our relations with the United Kingdom have really reached a new level.

BBC: Breakfast with Frost