Sometimes Northern Ireland is recognized as a province or region, and sometimes as a country… so this causes some confusion. However, it has a capital city and its own laws, so technically, it is a country, and we will refer to it as such.
So here we go… in no particular order, facts about Northern Ireland.
1. 1921 marked the year that the entire island of Ireland was split; the northern part would remain a part of the United Kingdom, while the south would be an independent country, “The Republic of Ireland”. The hardcore Irishmen wanted to be an independent country and not be a subject of Great Britain. So Great Britain kept the northern part.
2. Northern Ireland is the smallest country in the United Kingdom. It borders the Republic of Ireland to the south.
3. Northern Island has a population of around 1.9 million people.
4. Although it is very small and is part of the U.K., it makes its own laws.
5. Main spoken language is English, with a smaller population also speaking Irish and Ulster Scots.
6. The capital city is Belfast, with a population of around 342,000. Belfast is also the largest city in the country.
7. It uses the British Pound as its currency.
8. Lake Lough Neagh is the country’s largest lake at 392 km; it is a freshwater lake.
9. The Giant’s Causeway is a natural wonder, nature’s miracle. It is located in County Antrim on the north coast of Northern Ireland and is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a huge tourist attraction for the country.
10. 17 March is a national day: St Patrick’s Day.
11. The pneumatic tire was invented in Belfast by John Dunlop.
12. You know that popular TV show called Game of Thrones? Most of it was filmed in Northern Ireland.
13. There is no border between The Republic of Ireland and Northern Island. Therefore, people cross freely without any checkpoints.