Brittany ( ; , ; Gallo: Bertaèyn) is a former independent Celtic kingdom and duchy, now incorporated into France. It is also, more generally, the name of the cultural area whose limits correspond to the historic province and independent duchy. It was at one time called Less, Lesser or Little Britain (in opposition to Great Britain).

Brittany occupies a large peninsula in the north-west of France, lying between the English Channel to the north and the Bay of Biscay to the south. Its land area is 34,023 km² (13,136 sq mi). The historical province of Brittany is divided into five departments: Finistère in the west, Côtes-d'Armor in the north, Ille-et-Vilaine in the north-east, Loire-Atlantique in the south-east and Morbihan in the south, on the Bay of Biscay.

During World War II, the government of Vichy France detached the Loire-Atlantique département (around the city of Nantes) from Brittany, and placed it within a region based around the city of Angers. Today, 80% of historic Brittany has become the administrative région of Bretagne, while the remaining area, the Loire-Atlantique département around Nantes (formerly one of the historic capitals of Brittany), forms part of the Pays de la Loire région. For the current debate regarding reunification, see the Bretagne article.

In January 2007 the population of Brittany was estimated to be 4,365,500. Of these, 71% lived in the Bretagne région, while 29% lived in the Pays-de-la-Loire région. At the 1999 census, the largest metropolitan areas were Nantes (711,120 inhabitants) Rennes (521,188 inhabitants), and Brest (303,484 inhabitants).

History

main: History of Brittany

While the 1066 conquest of England gave considerable wealth to Normans (see the Domesday Book), certain nobles of Brittany were granted lesser titles in England such as Earl of Richmond in Northern England.

As the Normans encroached upon Wales, Bretons simultaneously exerted influence in Scotland. Important Breton figures in Scottish history were Conan IV, Duke of Brittany, John of Brittany, Earl of Richmond, Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray (FitzRandolph of Middleham), Brian Fitzalan, Lord Fitzalan of Bedale. The pro-Bruce Randolph and pro-Balliol Alan families were illegitimate lines of the counts and dukes of Penthièvre, with permanent lodgings and responsibilities at Richmond Castle. The hereditary title of High Steward of Scotland was held by Breton Walter Fitzalan whose descendents changed their name to Stewart. In 1315, Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward of Scotland married Marjorie, daughter of the King of Scots, Robert the Bruce, thus establishing the Royal House of Stewart as the ruling dynasty in Scotland for 343 years.