Britain and Ireland

The British Isles also include many smaller islands, one of which is the British Crown dependency of the Isle of Man. The Channel Islands are also Crown dependencies so they are included here even though they are not geographically part of the archipelago; they lie just off the French coast.  Trains, ferries, planes and roads connect the region together. English speaking visitors are guaranteed to be able to communicate everywhere within the region, read any important signs and maps, and get to know the people.  The UK once ruled the huge British Empire, and since independence was gained by most of the territories of it, the Commonwealth of Nations continues to be an important political association, now of 54 member states.