For the first time there are more people from a Catholic background (45.7%) than Protestant (43.48%) in NI.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe latest census figures show that for the first time there are more people from a Catholic background in Northern Ireland than Protestant.
The proportion of the resident population which is either Catholic or brought up Catholic is 45.7% compared to 43.48% Protestant.
The previous census, in 2011, found that 45.1% of the population were Catholic or brought up Catholic.
It found 48.4% were from a Protestant or other Christian background.
In terms of national identity, 31.9% said they had a British-only identity, while 29.1% said Irish-only and 19.8% said Northern Irish-only.
Census figures detailing the religious make-up of Northern Ireland were published on Thursday.
The figures, which are being released in stages, were due to be published on Tuesday but that was delayed due to the Queen’s funeral.
Compared with the previous census in 2011, the proportion of people with a British-only identity has decreased.
The latest census was the first to be held since the UK voted in 2016 to leave the European Union.
Information was gathered on passports held by people usually resident in Northern Ireland. The statistics were:
- UK passport only 47%
- Irish passport only 27%
- no passport 16%
In 2011, the percentages were:
- UK passport 59%
- Irish passport 21%
- no passport 19%
The percentage of people holding a British passport fell in every council area, while the numbers holding an Irish passport rose in all council areas.
About 60 questions were posed but in truth only one was going to grab the headlines.
It’s now official those from a Catholic background outnumber those from a Protestant background by 45.7% to 43.5%. for the first time in Northern Ireland’s 101-year history.
Those pushing for a united Ireland will frame it as a potential game-changing moment.
But unionists will point to the growing number of Catholics who regard themselves as Northern Irish and are comfortable living in the union.
Expect much debate about the census today but don’t expect political consensus on what the figures mean.
In 2011, for the first time, a question was asked about national identity.
Two-fifths (40%) had a British-only national identity, a quarter (25%) had Irish only and just over a fifth (21%) had a Northern Irish-only national identity.
The findings from the latest census will be released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra).
Image source, EPA
In May, it was announced that the population had risen to 1.9 million, the highest figure recorded since Northern Ireland was created in 1921.
The total population was 1,903,100 with slightly more females than males.
People were urged to complete the recent census online if they could, rather than on paper. Eight-out-of-10 people took the online option.
A census is carried out every 10 years and participation is compulsory.
As well as total figures, the latest statistics are broken down at council level.
The 2021 census is the first since the re-organisation of local government in Northern Ireland in 2015 when 11 so-called super councils replaced the previous 26 councils.
More figures will be issued in the coming months relating to marital status, sexual orientation, household composition, health and disability.