COUNTRY INFORMATION
Official name
Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
Capital
Belfast
Coordinates
54°35’ N, 5°55’ W
Location
Northern Ireland occupies the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland.
Area
Total area: 13 843 sq km
Land boundaries
360 km (the UK)
Coastline
12 429 km (the UK)
Administrative division
Northern Ireland is divided into 26 district council areas.
Political system
United Kingdom is constitutional monarchy. Queen (or king) is the chief of state. Monarchy is hereditary. Prime Minister is the head of government and appoints the Cabinet of Ministers. Parliament is bicameral and consists of House of Lords and House of Commons, both with over 600 seats.
Population
1 759 000
Ethnic groups
British (English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish) 92%, other (e.g. Indian, Pakistani) 8%
Religions
Christian 72%, Muslim 3%, Hindu 1%, other 24%