Some facts about Northern Ireland

Location:

Northern Ireland is part of the island of Ireland, and, together with the adjoining island of Great Britain constitute (with other smaller islands) the British Isles. They are part of the Continent of Europe, lying to the west of the European mainland. Northern Ireland is bounded on the East by the Irish Sea, on the North by the Atlantic Ocean and on the West and South by the Republic of Ireland.

Historical Sub Divisions

Northern Ireland is part of the ancient Province of ULSTER which comprises 9 counties. Six of these are in Northern Ireland, namely Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Londonderry. Size and Population Northern Ireland is a small country, having a land area of only 5,500 sq. miles (14,000 sq km). The population is about 1.5 million: of these about 250,000 live in the Capital City, Belfast. The area of the remainder of Ireland is 27,000 sq. miles (70,000 sq km) and the population 3.5 million.

Climate

The Country has a mild climate, the winters are seldom severe, with snowfall being an unusual feature. Summer temperatures are generally in the range of 65 to 75 degrees F. (28 to 24 C). There can be a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year. Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle because of its lush green appearance, the combination of rain and mild temperatures ensuring good grass growth.

Government

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Whilst the sovereign parliament remains at Westminster in London, in 1999 substantial powers were devolved to a new Assembly which meets at Stormont, Belfast. There is a power sharing Executive which has representatives from all shades of political opinion.

The people

There are two main cultural groups in Northern Ireland. Those who can trace their roots to the original inhabitants of Ireland are mainly Roman Catholics, and are often referred to as the 'Nationalist Community'. They comprise around 40% of the population. The other cultural group - mainly Protestants - have their origins in the immigrant 'planters' from Scotland and England who were given land taken from the ancient Irish Chieftains by the English Monarch, James 1. They have strong allegiance to the English Crown and are usually referred to as 'The Unionist Community'. They make up most of the other 60% of the population. The inhabitants of Northern Ireland are commonly referred to as Ulster People.

Language

English is the language spoken throughout Northern Ireland, and all signs and notices are in English, although in some Nationalist areas street signs maybe in Irish. The Irish language, which was the ancient language of the original Irish people, has always been taught in Roman Catholic schools and in recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in promoting the use of Irish on a wider basis. Indeed, there are some schools where all the subjects are taught in the Irish language.

Money

In Northern Ireland sterling currency is used, i.e. POUNDS (£), divided into 100 pence (p), there are several bank notes, English, Scottish and various Northern Ireland Banks issuing their own notes. The denominations are £5, £10, £20, £50, £100. All are in everyday use in Northern Ireland. The coins are £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p. MASTERCARD AND VISA are widely accepted. AMEX is not so common. Travellers cheques in Sterling should cause no problem but these in other currencies may have to be changed in a Bank. In the Republic of Ireland the currency is EURO.

Cigarettes, Alcohol & Drugs

In Northern Ireland it is illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone under 16 years, and to sell alcohol to anyone under 18 years. All non prescribed drugs are illegal including cannabis and all 'hard' drugs.

Time

British Standard Time applies in Northern Ireland and is usually an hour behind Central European Time. Eastern Time in North America is 5 hours behind BST.

Food and Drink

Ulster people are said to prefer heavy, fatty foods Northern Ireland has some traditional dishes, of which the best known is probably the 'Ulster Fry', usually eaten at breakfast time. Another traditional dish has its origin among the poor agricultural workers of the past. This is 'Champ' and is made with mashed boiled potatoes, mixed with a little mild - or cream and chopped spring onion called scallions. As far as liquid refreshment is concerned, tea is in more common use than coffee, wines from all the main regions of the world are readily available and also a wide range of draught and bottled beers. There are two particular favourite alcoholic drinks - 'Guinness' which is a famous black beer, thick and creamy and very popular throughout Northern Ireland. The other favourite is Bushmills Whiskey.

Quality of Life

Northern Ireland enjoys a quality of life, in terms of medical care, education, housing, and sport and leisure facilities, amongst the highest in the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland currently has the highest rate of economic growth in the U.K. Membership of the European Union, and an increase in inward investment by the American, and other business communities has helped to underpin the relative prosperity presently enjoyed.