On 23 June 2016 Britain voted to leave the European Union. To understand this important outcome and resulting Brexit, we need to know what the EU does and find out about its past relationship with Britain.

This comprehensive guide is an ideal introduction to the concept of the EU for readers aged 10 and up. It explores what the EU is, how it was formed, how it governs, its member states, its citizens and its role in Europe and the wider world, with a particular focus on Britain's relationship with the EU. It includes a chapter exploring the results of the Brexit referendum, looking at the pros and cons of being a member and what the future hold for Britain, post-Brexit. It concludes with a detailed factfile on every country that is currently a member of the EU, as well as a glimpse at possible future member states, such as Turkey.