Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are two different countries, but the entirety of the population is Irish. People of Irish descent are found across different countries in the world from North to South America, Australia, Africa and other parts of Europe.
But what is the difference between Northern Ireland vs the Republic of Ireland?
The difference between these two European countries is that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, while the Republic of Ireland is an independent sovereign nation.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a country in north-western Europe and part of the United Kingdom. The country is located in the north-east of the island of Ireland and shares an open border to the south and west with the Republic of Ireland.
As of 2021, the entire population of Northern Ireland was over 1.9 million. The country’s capital and largest city is Belfast. Northern Ireland’s official language is Irish and English and its official currency is the Great British Pound.
Northern Ireland has a total land area of 14,330 square kilometres (5,530 square miles. The over 1.9 million people in Northern Ireland make up about 3% of the United Kingdom’s population. It also makes up 27% of the population on the island of Ireland.
According to Wikipedia, the Northern Ireland Assembly is responsible for several developed policy matters, while the UK Government is responsible for handling other reserve areas.
Northern Ireland Government collaborates with the government of the Republic of Ireland in various areas under the terms of the Belfast Agreement.
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Republic of Ireland
Ireland or the Republic of Ireland is an independent sovereign country in north-western Europe.
Dublin is the country’s capital and largest city. Twenty-six out of the thirty-two counties of the island of Ireland are in the Republic of Ireland.
The north-western European country is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and it’s bordered by the Celtic Sea to the south. Ireland is also surrounded by St. George’s Chanel and the Irish Sea to the southeast and east.
Ireland is a country with a larger population compared to Northern Ireland. As of 2022, the country had a population of over 5.2 million and about 2.1 million people live in the Greater Dublin Area.
Northern Ireland vs Republic of Ireland: The 36 Counties in the island of Ireland
Northern Ireland consists of six counties which include Antrim, Armagh, Down, Derry, Fermanagh, and Tyrone.
The other 26 counties are in the Republic of Ireland and they include;
- Cork, Clare, Cavan, Carlow, Dublin, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Kildare, Leitrim, Laois, Longford, Louth, Limerick, Meath, Mayo, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Wexford, Wicklow, Westmeath, and Waterford.
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Northern Ireland vs Republic of Ireland: Key Differences between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
The main difference between these two European countries is that one of the countries is part of the United Kingdom, while the other is an independent sovereign country.
Northern Ireland is part of the UK and it’s a country widely known for its cultural heritage and rich history. Republic of Ireland is a sovereign nation in the European Union.
Ireland is a country with a vibrant cultural heritage. Both countries are proud European nations located on the same island. Northern Ireland and Ireland may be of the same descent, but their economic, political, and cultural, landscape differs.
When Northern Ireland was created during the 1920s, many were against it, while others accepted the idea of a new nation. The city of Belfast was the centre of major communal violence. Over 500 people were killed with more than 10,000 becoming refugees.
The communal violence was mainly between Catholic nationalist civilians and Protestant unionists.
A campaign to end discrimination against Catholics and nationalists was rejected In Northern Ireland in the late 1960s. The campaign was opposed by royalists who perceived the initiative as a republic front.
This unrest led to “the Trouble”- a 30-year conflict between republicans and loyalist paramilitaries and state forces. This conflict will later take the lives of more than 3,500 people and injured over 50,000.
“The Trouble” shaped the governance and community in Northern Ireland. Today, the landscape of the country is marked by its history of conflict.
Unlike Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland boasts a more stable political climate. Ireland is an active member of the European Union, a proud nation that contributes positively to European politics and policies.
Northern Ireland vs Republic of Ireland: More Difference between Northern Ireland vs Ireland
The main difference between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is that the former is part of the United Kingdom, while the latter is an independent sovereign nation.
Northern Ireland and Ireland consist of 32 counties, with 26 counties in Ireland and 6 counties in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, which means it’s not a member of the European Union like the Republic of Ireland.
No Physical Borders between the two Countries
Northern Ireland and Ireland are two different countries on the island of Ireland but they have no physical border. Although Northern Ireland is not part of the European Union, having no physical border with Ireland seems not to be a problem.
Difference Currency
As a member of the European Union, the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (EUR).
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, so it uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP).
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Northern Ireland vs Republic of Ireland: Comparison Chat
| Northern Ireland | Ireland | |
| Political status | Part of the United Kingdom | An independent sovereign nation |
| Economic system | Subsided by the United Kingdom | Fast-growing, tech, and pharmaceutical industries |
| Historical conflict | Known for “The Troubles” | History of struggling for independence |
| European Union membership | Not a member of the EU | A member of the EU |
| Cultural identity | A blend of Irish and British influence | Rich Gaelic cultural heritage |
| Languages | English, Irish, and Ulster Scots | English and Irish |
| Time zone | GMT (UTC+0) | WET (UTC+0) |
| Government | Consociational devolved government within a constituent monarchy | A unitary parliamentary constitutional republic |
| Calling code | +454 | +353 |
| Flag | Union Flag | Tricolour |
| Legislature | Northern Ireland Assembly | Oireachtas |
| Capital | Belfast | Dublin |
| Population | 1.9 million | 5.2 million |
| Demonym | Northern Irish, Irish, British | Irish |
Northern Ireland vs Republic of Ireland: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions about the difference between Northern Ireland vs Ireland.
Is Northern Ireland a member of the European Union?
No, Northern Ireland is part of the UK and not a member of the European Union.
Is Ireland a member of the EU?
Yes, the Republic of Ireland is an active and functional member of the European Union.
Is Northern Ireland part of the United Kingdom?
Northern Ireland consists of 6 counties and it’s one of the four constituents of the UK, alongside England, Scotland, and Wales.
Also Read: State vs Country: Difference and Comparison
How many counties are on the island of Ireland?
Northern Ireland and Ireland consist of 32 counties, with 26 counties in Ireland and 6 counties in Northern Ireland.
What is the official language of Northern Ireland?
As a constituent of the UK, the official language of Northern is English and Irish.
What is the official language and currency of Ireland?
Republic of Ireland’s official language is English and Irish, while its currency is the Euro.
Conclusion
Northern Ireland and Ireland are two countries that share a common cultural heritage but their economic, political, and cultural, landscape differs. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, while Ireland is an independent sovereign nation and a member of the EU.
