Diving

DIVING NORTHERN IRELAND INTRODUCTION

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%