The United Kingdom includes countries.
Laws in Wales Acts 1535 and 1542 . `` That his said Country or Dominion of Wales shall be , stand and continue for ever from henceforth incorporated , united and annexed to and with this his Realm of England ; '' United Kingdom . The United Kingdom consists of four countries -- England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland . Wales was annexed by the Kingdom of England under the Laws in Wales Acts 1535 and 1542 .