Country Information
| Sovereign State | No (Part of the United Kingdom) |
| Country Codes | GB-NIR |
| Official Name | Northern Ireland |
| Continent | Europe |
| Capital | Belfast |
| Government Type | Devolved government within a constitutional monarchy |
| Currency | Pound Sterling (GBP) |
| Calling Code | +44 |
| Member Of | Part of the United Kingdom, not a member of the United Nations in its own right |
| Population | Approximately 1.9 million |
| Total Area | 14,130 km² |
| Highest Point | Slieve Donard (850 meters, 2,789 feet) |
| Lowest Point | North Channel (0 meters, 0 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | Estimated $23,700 |
| Life Expectancy | 79 years |
| Internet TLD | .uk (shared with the United Kingdom) |
Northern Ireland National Anthem
God Save the King
(Note: As part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland uses the national anthem of the United Kingdom, “God Save the King.”)
God save our gracious King!
Long live our noble King!
God save the King!
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the King.
Thy choicest gifts in store
On him be pleased to pour,
Long may he reign.
May he defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the King.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Northern Ireland Flag
Northern Ireland, as part of the United Kingdom, does not have a universally recognized flag designated for official use. Historically, the flag commonly associated with Northern Ireland is the Ulster Banner, also known as the “Red Hand Flag” or the “Flag of Ulster.” It was used by the Government of Northern Ireland from 1953 until the government was abolished in 1972. The Ulster Banner features a red cross on a white field, with a crowned six-pointed star containing the Red Hand of Ulster at the center and a crown on top of the star.
The Ulster Banner’s origins can be traced back to the former Government of Northern Ireland and the coat of arms granted to it in 1924. The red cross is the Saint George’s Cross, representing England, while the Red Hand of Ulster is a traditional symbol associated with the historic province of Ulster, of which Northern Ireland is a part.
Since the abolition of the Northern Irish government in 1972, there has been no official flag for Northern Ireland specifically. The Union Jack is widely used for official purposes as it represents the entire United Kingdom, which includes Northern Ireland. The use of the Ulster Banner is often controversial and can be seen as indicative of Unionist (or Loyalist) support. In contrast, Nationalists (or Republicans) tend to use the flag of Ireland or other flags representative of Irish nationalism.
The flag situation in Northern Ireland reflects the complex and often divided political and cultural landscape of the region. The choice of flag can be a point of contention and a symbol of identity, reflecting the ongoing debates about the constitutional status of Northern Ireland and its relationship with both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
