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>>More seriously, isn't England part of Europe even though it isn't on the continent?
>
>My geography isn't what it used to be, but I believe England is part of the UK, which in turn is part of Europe - even though it's not part of the mainland.
>
>Nicholas can correct me if I'm wrong - I'm sure he can sort it out

Pretty much correct. If you wanted to be pedantic England is part of Gt. Britain which is part of the UK :-}