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Census 2021: Majority of NI people from a Catholic background Census 2021: More from Catholic background in NI than Protestant
(about 2 hours later)
Northern Ireland's population is at its highest level since it was established in 1921Northern Ireland's population is at its highest level since it was established in 1921
The latest census figures show that for the first time there are more people from a Catholic background in Northern Ireland than Protestant.The 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 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.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.It found 48.4% were from a Protestant or other Christian background.
Census figures detailing the religious make-up of Northern Ireland were published on Thursday. 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.
Statistics about national identity and passports held will also be released. Census figures detailing the religious make-up of Northern Ireland were published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) 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.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.
The latest census, held in March 2021, was the first to be held since the UK voted in 2016 to leave the European Union. Compared with the previous census in 2011, the proportion of people with a British-only identity has decreased.
Since then there has been an increase in applications for Irish passports in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile 8% of people said they were both British and Northern Irish - up from 6.2% in 2011
'Religious headcount' The latest census was the first to be held since the UK voted in 2016 to leave the European Union.
Ahead of the publication of the latest statistics, the largest unionist party in Northern Ireland - the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) - warned that the results could be misinterpreted. Information was gathered on passports held by people usually resident in Northern Ireland. The statistics were:
The party's East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said: "The Northern Ireland census every 10 years brings with it the inevitable 'religious headcount' with writers and some politicians making ill-informed comments about the religious breakdown and what it might mean politically. UK passport only 47%
"Some make an automatic read across that more Roman Catholics or fewer Protestants means border poll. Irish passport only 27%
"Whatever the census outcome, those of us supporting Northern Ireland remaining within the UK cannot be complacent. no passport 16%
"But those who take the opposite view need to face up to the ironic reality, which is the more diverse Northern Ireland within the UK becomes the less likely we are to want to leave." In 2011, the percentages were:
About 60 questions were posed but in truth only one was going to grab the headlines. UK passport 59%
It's now official Catholics for the first time in Northern Ireland's 101-year history outnumber Protestants by 45.7% to 43.5%. Irish passport 21%
Those pushing for a united Ireland will frame it as a potential game-changing moment. no passport 19%
But unionists will point to the growing number of Catholics who regard themselves as Northern Irish and are comfortable living in the union. 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.
Expect much debate about the census today but don't expect political consensus on what the figures mean. Around 60 questions were posed but in truth only one was going to grab the headlines.
In 2011, for the first time, a question was asked about national identity. It's now official that those from a Catholic background for the first time in Northern Ireland's 101-year history outnumber those from a Protestant background.
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. It is a hugely significant and historic moment, but not surprising as the population pattern has been moving in that direction for some time.
The findings from the latest census will be released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra). In the past 20 years, the number of people from a Protestant background has dropped by more than ten per cent.
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. A decline which has been linked to an ageing Protestant population with high mortality.
By contrast, the profile of the population from a Catholic background is much younger and in the same 20-year period has risen by around three per cent.
Those pushing for a border poll and united Ireland will be energised by the census figures.
Read more here.
The proportion of the population born outside Northern Ireland was 11% in 2011. In the latest census, it rose to 13.5%.
Among usual residents aged three years and over, English was not the main language for 4.6%. This compares to 3.1% in the previous census.
The most prevalent main language other than English remains Polish at 1.1%
In terms of other languages, 12.4% had some ability in Irish. In 2011, the figure was 11%.
As for Ulster Scots, the percentage with some ability was 8.1% in 2011, it is now 10.4%.
In May 2022 it was announced that the population had risen to 1.9 million, the highest figure recorded since Northern Ireland was established in 1921.
The total population was 1,903,100 with slightly more females than males.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.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. A census occurs every 10 years and participation is compulsory.
As well as total figures, the latest statistics are broken down at council level. As well as total figures, the latest statistics have been 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. 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 existing 26 councils.
More figures will be issued in the coming months relating to marital status, sexual orientation, household composition, health and disability.More figures will be issued in the coming months relating to marital status, sexual orientation, household composition, health and disability.