Northern Ireland is situated in the north east of the island of Ireland and is politically part of the United Kingdom. The country has an estimated population of just slightly fewer than two million people.
Northern Ireland shot into the headlines in the early 1920s when it separated from the Irish Free State to form a separate country. This came about because of the conflicts that were breaking out between many Roman Catholics in Ireland and the Protestants who were being persecuted for trying to spread their views that were contrary to the historical religion of the country.
The capital city of Northern Ireland is Belfast, which is the location of the country’s main airport, Belfast International Airport. Many tourists can fly direct into Belfast although some choose to fly to other parts of the Republic of Ireland and then use the M2 Motorway to get into the country.
The country has been subjected to many terrorism attacks that prove the religious conflicts are still ongoing and it is still hoped by some of the combined Irish population that one day the two countries will again unite.
The biggest industries in the country are fishing off the eastern coast and cigarette production, with distribution taking place to countries all over Europe. Northern Ireland also has a football team that is ranked among the top 100 in the world.
The country is also admired for the preservation of its landscape and coastal facilities, and this alone attracts thousands of visitors every year.