----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Are Scotland and Wales (and England, for that matter) countries? I have once again been contacted to provide something in writing in order to settle an argument. Can someone out there provide me with a citation to a source which defines the political nature of these parts of the U.K.? The World Factbook, and the other limited sources I have, skirt the issue. Jim Coombs Map Librarian Southwest Missouri St. Univ.