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The British Isles (, or Oileáin Bhreataineacha, Manx: Ellanyn Goaldagh, ) is a group of islands off the northwest coast of continental Europe comprising Great Britain, Ireland and a number of smaller islands.[1] There are two sovereign states located on the islands: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.[2] The group also includes the crown dependencies Isle of Man and Channel Islands. Some sources question the validity of including the Channel Isles within the British Isles, stating that they are not geographically a part of the archipelago.[3] Common uncertainties regarding the topography of the group are discussed in British Isles (terminology). The term British Isles is controversial,[4] especially in relation to Ireland. Its use is objected to by the government of the Republic of Ireland[5], and is avoided in relations between the governments of the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.[6] This controversy is discussed in the article, British Isles naming dispute.