Wow I didn't realize how confused I WAS about all this.
I still don't think we've answered the question...
England is a... country
U.K. is a... ?
Now I finally know what Great Britain is! (I think)
So... it's not a country or any other governmental unit, just a geographical unit... an island. Right?
So... England is NOT the capital of GB,
kinda like Washington DC is NOT the capital of North America, right?
Yes, I know it's more like England NOT being the capital of Europe, but I can't think of another island that is similar.
So if I call someone "British," that is right only if they're English, Scottish, or Welsh? Irish people are not British?
I THINK I've got it.