Northern Ireland (often popularly referred to simply as Ulster) is located on the island of Ireland and is one of the four constituent nations of the United Kingdom. Despite its former reputation as being violent and dangerous the political situation has stabilized quite a bit. Although a few extremist paramilitary organizations are still active, the province is much safer to visit than formerly. Northern Ireland has a vast array of attractions which are of interest to tourists, from stunning landscapes and scenery to vibrant cities and interesting remnants of the country's past.