Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is variously described as a country, province, or region which is part of the United Kingdom. Located in the northeast of the island of Ireland, Northern Ireland shares a border to the south and west with the Republic of Ireland. In 2011, its population was 1,810,863. The Northern Ireland Assembly, established by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, holds responsibility for a range of devolved policy matters, while other areas are reserved for the British government. Northern Ireland co-operates with the Republic of Ireland in several areas.

Northern Ireland was created in 1921 when Ireland was partitioned by the Government of Ireland Act 1920. The majority of Northern Ireland's population were unionists, who wanted to remain within the United Kingdom. They were generally the Protestant descendants of colonists from Great Britain. Meanwhile, the majority in Southern Ireland (which became the Irish Free State in 1922), and a significant minority in Northern Ireland, were Irish nationalists and Catholics who wanted a united independent Ireland. Today, the former generally see themselves as British and the latter generally see themselves as Irish, while a Northern Irish or Ulster identity is claimed by a large minority from all backgrounds.

The economy of Northern Ireland has grown significantly since the late 1990s. The initial growth increased trade with the Republic of Ireland, continuing with a significant increase in tourism, investment, and business from around the world. Unemployment in Northern Ireland peaked at the end of the 1980s but has dropped down since and is now one of the lowest numbers in the UK area.

Cultural links between Northern Ireland, the rest of Ireland, and the rest of the UK are complex, with Northern Ireland sharing both the culture of Ireland and the culture of the United Kingdom. At the Olympic Games, people from Northern Ireland may compete for either Great Britain or Ireland.

Northern Ireland is one of the fastest-growing regions of the United Kingdom. It offers small and medium-sized enterprises excellent opportunities for growth and prosperity. At the same time, these companies offer many job opportunities for locals and expats.

Regulation is kept to a minimum and running costs are lower than in other parts of the UK. There is also a young, skilled, and highly educated workforce.

Northern Ireland has a modern public transport system. The road network makes it easy to do business and travel within the region. Direct routes by air and sea to other countries make it an easy destination to travel and trade within Europe and globally.

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