The population of Nothern Ireland is divided into two major sects of Christianity : 53 per cent are Protestants, while 44 per cent are Roman Catholics. For years, this region of United Kingdom has been the site of a violent ethno-political conflict. The Catholics were represented by Nationalist parties, who demanded that Northern Ireland be unified with the Republic of Ireland, a predominantly Catholic country. The Protestants were represented by Unionists, who wanted to remain with the UK which is predominantly Protestant. Hundreds of civilians, militants and security forces were killed in the fight between the Unionists and Nationalists and between the security forces of the UK and the Nationalists. It was only in 1998, that the UK government and the Nationalists reached a peace treaty, after which the latter suspended their armed struggle.