As most of us know from school, the capital of Great Britain is London, and the country consists of four provinces: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland. The population, its size and features are the subject of this article. Each of these regions has its own system of administrative divisions and enjoys a significant degree of autonomy. The population of Northern Ireland, like the inhabitants of other provinces of Great Britain, is distinguished by a number of features. Therefore, it is advisable to consider each of the regions separately.
United Kingdom: General Description
Considering such provinces as England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the population of which differs from each other in a number of features, it is important to remember the history. In 1801, the Act of Union was signed. Then allIreland was part of the United Kingdom. This continued until 1921. Southern Ireland became an independent state, while Northern Ireland remained a province of Great Britain.
The total population of the United Kingdom, as of 2015, is 54.9 million people. According to this indicator, the UK is in 78th place in the world. In terms of population density, the country is the fourth in the European Union. The last census showed that the majority (87.1%) are "white". Among national minorities, the following groups stand out: Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Chinese. The total share of Asians in the UK population is 7%. "Black" - 3%. For 95% of the inhabitants of the state, English is their native language.
Northern Ireland Population Trends
Let's consider historical data on the number of inhabitants of the province. In 1841, 1.649 million people lived in Northern Ireland. The natural increase was negative. During the period from 1841 to 1851, the population of the province decreased by 12.5%. Over the next ten years, another 3.2%. In 1861 it was 1.397 million people. The natural increase was still negative. During the period from 1861 to 1871, the population decreased by 2.7%. Then another 4% over the next ten years.
From 1881 to 1891, the population of Northern Ireland declined by 5.3%. In 1891, there were already 1.236 million people living in the province. From that time until today, the natural increase has been positive. In 1901, 1.237 million people lived in Northern Ireland. The highestgrowth rate was recorded in the 1960s. Then in 10 years the population increased by 7.8%. In 2001, it was 1.685 million people. Over the next ten years, the population of Northern Ireland grew by 7.5%. According to forecasts, in 2017, 1.869 million people will live in the country.
Northern Ireland: population and numbers
This province is by far the smallest in the UK. Its area does not exceed 2.9% of the total, and the population of Northern Ireland is 5.7% of the total. Before 1921 the province was considerably larger. The whole island was part of Great Britain. Now Ireland (Southern) is an independent country. She was part of the UK from 1801 to 1921.
Northern Ireland, with a population of over 1.8 million according to the 2011 census, is only 28.3% of the island's inhabitants. Over the past ten years, it has increased by 7.5%. The population density is 133 people per square kilometer. This figure is two times less than the average for the UK. However, the population density of the Republic of Ireland is only about 68 people per square metre. Most people live in the Belfast agglomeration.
The average age from 2001 to 2011 increased from 34 to 37 years. The population is aging. The number of residents over the age of 65 has increased by 2% over the past decade. This leads to an increase in the burden on taxpayers. However, this trend is typical for all developed countries, includingand for the UK. The largest group in the population of Northern Ireland are people aged 40 to 49 years. Their share exceeds 14.6%. The average family in the province has two children. Life expectancy for men is 77.2 years, for women - 80.8.
Ethnic composition
According to the results of the latest census, about 98.21% of the province's population is "white". The share of Asians does not exceed 1%. "Black" - 0, 2%.
Language groups
The population of Northern Ireland speaks mostly English. The two regional languages fall under the protection of the European Charter. Some immigrants also speak Polish. If we consider how many people in Northern Ireland consider English as their native language, then this is 98.86%. Some people also know Irish or Scottish. The second most common is Polish. It is spoken by 1.02% of the population. Residents also speak Lithuanian, Gaelic, Portuguese, Slovak, Chinese, Tagalog, Latvian, Russian, Malay and Hungarian.
Religious denominations
The 2011 census showed what population in Northern Ireland is based on religion. 40.8% consider themselves Catholics. The proportion of Presbyterians is 19.1%. In the UK, the opposite is true. Most of the latter's population is Protestant.
To the Church of Irelandinclude 13.7% of the population. This is almost 2% less than in 2001. The proportion of Methodists is 3%. Christians of various denominations are 82.3% of the population. The share of representatives of other religions is 0.8%. Atheists are 10.1% of the population of Northern Ireland. Did not indicate their religious affiliation in the 2011 census 6.8% of the province's residents. Only the number of Catholics has increased in the last ten years. Other denominations have declined. It should be noted that the 2001 census does not provide data on the number of atheists.
Passports
National identity remains a difficult topic for people in Northern Ireland. Many consider themselves British. They regard the inhabitants of other provinces and themselves as members of one common nation. Others believe that the English, Welsh and Scots are foreigners. They believe the Irish nation is one.
There is a connection between the religious beliefs of the inhabitants and their views on national identity. Most Protestants see themselves as part of a single nation with the English, Welsh and Scots. Catholics often consider themselves Irish.
All residents of the province automatically receive a British passport at birth. It is no different from what is given in any other part of the UK. However, all those born in the province can also obtain an Irish passport. And you can have both documents at the same time. It should be noted that 18.9% of the residents do not have a passport. Most of the population draws up Britishdocumentation. The Republic of Ireland passport holds 20.8% of the population. Polish - 1%.
