Many people are confused regarding how they must differentiate between two distinct nations that may sound the same. Ireland and Northern Ireland are distinct nations that lie on an island.
Ireland vs Northern Ireland
The difference between Ireland and Northern Ireland is that Ireland, which is also known as The Republic of Ireland, is much larger in the area when compared to Northern Ireland. Ireland is a separate free and independent nation, whereas Northern Ireland lies in the United Kingdom.
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Ireland covers the southern part of the island. Like India, Ireland has also been caught in the shackles of Great Britain in the past until the people of Ireland woke up and launched their Independence movement.
When the British left Ireland, Northern Ireland did not become a part of the Republic of Ireland. Both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland lie on the same island.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Ireland | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Status of Independence | Ireland, also known as the Republic of Ireland, is a separate country that has a free and independent status. | Northern Ireland is not a separate nation and is a part of the United Kingdom. |
| Currency | Euro is the national currency of the Republic of Ireland. | Pound Sterling also known as GBP, is the national currency of Northern Ireland. |
| European Union Membership | Ireland is a member of the European Union at the present moment. | Northern Ireland is not a member of the European Union since Great Britain left the EU recently. |
| Major sectors | The agricultural sector of Ireland is the biggest and most prosperous sector of the country as it contributes the most to the Irish Economy. | The manufacturing and shipping sector of Northern Ireland contributes maximum to its economy. |
| Capital | The capital of Ireland is Dublin. | The capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast. |
| Flag | The flag of Ireland is different and constitutes three colours that are white, orange, and green. | The flag of Northern Ireland is the Union Jack flag of Great Britain. |
What is Ireland?
Ireland is an island located in North-western Europe. Dublin is the capital of Ireland and also is the biggest city of Ireland, covering almost 40% of Ireland.
There is less availability of industrial materials and minerals like Iron and Coal, thus making its economy more agricultural-oriented.
The Education system of Ireland is looked up to by various countries as an Ideal Education system model. Ireland is a secular country as per its constitution that prevents any kind of discrimination based on religion, gender, and sex.
The economy of Ireland has faced major issues in the last few years. Its economy has suffered a recession for a long period.
What is Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland comprises six countries and is a part of the United Kingdom. It is administered and controlled by the British Parliament.
The economy of Northern Ireland is dependent on manufacturing and textiles as people here are more inclined towards the industrial sector, giving less attention to the agricultural sector.
Various UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Giant Causeway, also form a part of Northern Ireland.
A group of people called the Nationalists and Republicans are striving for the freedom of Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom.
Main Differences Between Ireland and Northern Ireland
- The economy of Ireland is agriculture-oriented. On the other hand, Northern Ireland derives most of its money from the textile and manufacturing sector.
- Ireland has 3 colours in its National flag that are white, orange, and green, whereas the flag of Ireland is the same as Great Britain.
- https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=lXa7m8wG84MC&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=ireland&ots=gt6i69EcNk&sig=ftlqaz7989nB7JAKvMZTkiApim4
- https://www.dguideapp.com/guide/details/Republic%20of%20Ireland.html
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
