Ulster has a population of just under
2 million people and an area of 24,481 square kilometres
(8,952 square miles). Its biggest city, Belfast has
over over half a million inhabitants.
Six of Ulster's nine counties, Antrim,
Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Derry and Tyrone, form Northern
Ireland, and remain a part of the Unitied Kingdom. The
three remaining counties, Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan
are part of the Republic of Ireland.
In the mid-1990's the province emerged
from over 20 years of violence into period of peace
and stability.
Geographically, the Antrim coast
is a marvel to be seen and Belfast has more Chinese
restaurants per capita than any other European
city - which is as good an excuse as any to study here.