The United Kingdom of Albion, Caledonia, and Wales, often referred to as simply Albion and sometimes the United Kingdom, is a sovereign state encompassing northwestern Europe. It is a union of three constituent countries, Albion, Caledonia, and Wales, formed on May 1, 1699 with the Acts of Union, officiated by James III of Albion after the Ablish victory of the Channel War, a 12-year conflict in which both sides sought to control the other's throne. Its territory includes most of the Britannian Isles (except Ireland), Gaul, and Corsica. It is the 9th most populous country in the world with 150 million inhabitants. It has been a member of the European Union since 1972 and is an active member of the international community including the United Nations, NATO, the G8 and G20 summits. It is gov