Is the UK a nation or a state consisting of four nations?

Good question! There is some wrangling over the defintion of a nation, state, and country, and I await a good answer. But in my opinion, I think (and I am not adamant of my answer):
UK is a country of four nations.
though I suspect there will be many objections to this.
Chris
For further reference:

According to the CIA factbook, the (link ->) UK is one nation with one government. Its long name is United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; (Great Britain includes England, Scotland, and Wales )
Dependent territories are Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indi

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=102842§ioncode=26

sitifanhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/Scottish-Nation-1700-2000-T-M-Devine/dp/0140230041

It is a good opinion. Indtead country I would say UNION.
UK is a union of four nations.

No - it's the other way around: the UK is one nation made up of four countries. England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland have one NATIONality - British.

I couldn't agree more. As with the United States and its 50 states, the United Kingdom is one nation comprising four countries, In moments of national crisis, such as war, we are one nation. It is only when discussing regional or local politics that we become either Scottish, English, Welsh or Northern Irish.

Anonymous It is only when discussing regional or local politics that we become either Scottish, English, Welsh or Northern Irish.

I am not sure that that's totally true. As someone who has worked abroad for 40% of my working life, I am used to referring to myself as 'British'. However, quite a few English people, and many Welsh people and Scots refer to themse