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Location
Northern Ireland.
Area
13,576 sq km (5,242 sq miles).
Population
1.7 million (official estimate 2005).
Population Density
125.2 per sq km.
Capital
Belfast. Population: 269,000 (official estimate 2004).
Geography
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.
Head of State
HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Head of Government
First Minister Ian Paisley since 2007 (outgoing).
Recent History
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 Ian Paisley's Protestant Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
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.
After the cessation of overt hostilities, two major political parties emerged: the Catholic Sinn Fein, under the leadership of Gerry Adams, and Ian Paisley's Protestant Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
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.
Language
English. Irish is spoken by a minority.
Social Conventions
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.
For information on time, religion, electricity, passport and visa, health and duty-free, see the main United Kingdom section.
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