Northern Ireland has suffered from internal disturbances between the Catholics and the Protestants. These wars are referred to as the ‘the Troubles’. The partition of the Kingdom of Ireland took place in 1921 whereby six of the nine Ulster counties in the north-east formed Northern Ireland and the remaining three counties joined those of Leinster, Munster and Connacht to form Southern Ireland. Northern Ireland continued to be a part of the United Kingdom, whereas Southern Ireland formed the independent state of the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Ireland’s culture is an amalgamation of the British and the Irish culture. Despite being small geographically, Northern Ireland has made immense contribution in the field of art and literature. The Ulster Cycle, a large body of prose, is part of the Irish mythological cycle and reflects the rich Irish culture. There has been an increase in the minorities with Chinese and Urdu gaining popularity. There has been an increase in vernacular literature also.

Northern Ireland lies to the north-east of the island of Ireland. Northern Ireland’s highest point is Slieve Donard in Mourne Mountains.