Northern Ireland.

13,576 sq km (5,242 sq miles).

1.7 million (official estimate 2005).

125.2 per sq km.

Belfast. Population: 269,000 (official estimate 2004).

Northern Ireland contains some beautiful scenery, from the rugged coastline in the north and northeast to the gentle fruit-growing regions of Armagh. To the west are the Sperrin Mountains and the lake of Fermanagh, where the winding River Erne provides excellent fishing. The high moorland plateau of Antrim in the northeast gives way to the glens further south and to the Drumlin country of County Down; further south still, the Mountains of Mourne stretch down to the sea.

HM Queen Elizabeth II.

First Minister Peter Robinson since June 2008.

Following a quarter of a century of well-publicised ‘troubles' focusing on differences between the Nationalist and Unionist communities, relative peace descended on Northern Ireland during the early 1990s. Deep divisions and mistrust between the two factions still exist, but the atmosphere is now one of at least attempted reconciliation rather than open conflict.

After the cessation of overt hostilities, two major political parties emerged: the Catholic Sinn Fein, under the leadership of Gerry Adams, and the Protestant Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), then led by Ian Paisley. 

Paisley and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness took their pledge of office in May 2007 as devolution returned to Northern Ireland, following a historic meeting in March between Paisley and Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, where they agreed to share power. However in March 2008, First Minister Ian Paisley announced he would be stepping down in May. He was succeeded by Peter Robinson in June.

English. Irish is spoken by a minority.

Due to the political situation in Northern Ireland, visitors should take care when visiting certain parts of the main cities and the border area. No problems should arise, provided the visitor follows local advice and avoids expressing dogmatic opinions on political or religious topics.

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