You do not use an article before the names of countries except where they
indicate multiple areas
or contain the words (state(s), kindom, republic, union). Kingdom,
state, republic and union are nouns, so they need an article.
For example: |
No article - Italy, Mexico, Bolivia, England
Use the - the UK (United Kingdom), the USA (United States of America), the Irish Republic
Multiple areas! the Netherlands, the Philippines, the British Isles |