United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (UK) has an extraordinary history, particularly in respect to the rest of the world. At various times during the the first half of the 20th century, Great Britain (through the monarchy) ruled over more than a third of the world's population.

Because of anomalies in the British Nationality Act, decolonisation of the Empire, and the manner in which nationality was defined by many of the newly Independent States, there are large numbers of people unaware of their rights to British Nationality. Click here for more information on how to achieve British Nationality.

STATUS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

Up until 1915, citizens of the UK and its Colonies were termed "British Subjects".

From 1915 to 1948, citizenship was governed by the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act of 1914.

Click here for more information on these territories:

• Foreign Countries with Extra Territorial Jurisdiction
• British Colonies
• British Protectorates
• British Protected States
• British Mandated Territories
• British Trust Territories
• Commonwealth
• European Union

Since 1983, British Citizenship came into being.

The United Kingdom includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Before 31.03.1922, it included what is now the Republic of Ireland. For nationality purposes, the UK includes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

British passport holders aged between 18-30 qualify for a Working Holiday Visa for the following countries:

• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• New Zealand