Understanding English Population in Northern Ireland and Ireland
Just under 4 million people in Northern Ireland were born in England, forming a significant portion of the local population. This number is substantial, with 72,940 people born in England. In contrast, there are approximately 190,541 people born in Northern Ireland living in England, but when considering the larger population of England, this number represents only 0.4%.
Why Do People Move?
Moving from one place to another is often a complex decision influenced by various factors, including economic opportunities, family ties, and social factors. In the context of Northern Ireland and its relationship with England, the movement of people reflects both the historical and modern dynamics between these regions.
British Nationality and Northern Ireland
As part of the United Kingdom, the people of Northern Ireland hold British nationality. However, the question of how many English people live in the region remains a topic of interest, given the historical and cultural ties between England and Northern Ireland.
Exact Numbers and Demographics
It is challenging to determine an exact number of English people living in Ireland and Northern Ireland due to the complexities of national and ethnic identity. The Central Statistics Office of the Republic of Ireland identified 103,000 people of British nationality living in Ireland in 2016. However, this figure includes people from Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and excludes those who were born in England and have later become Irish nationals.
The 2016 Irish Census also noted that 277,000 people in Ireland were born in the United Kingdom. This indicates a significant presence of UK-born individuals, but it does not provide a clear breakdown of the English population.
Given that English nationals comprise around 83% of the population, it is reasonable to estimate that the English population in Ireland, whether still identifying as English or naturalised as Irish, is somewhere between 100,000 to 250,000.
Additionally, a significant portion of the Irish population has English or broadly British ancestry. Up to 60% of Ethnic Irish people have English or broadly British ancestry, including Welsh, Norman, and Scottish, due to historical interactions and migrations over the past millennium.
Conclusion
The presence of English people in Northern Ireland and Ireland is a complex issue with deep historical and social roots. While exact numbers are difficult to pinpoint, the available data suggests a significant but varied presence, reflecting the enduring connections between these regions.