Ireland

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Ireland

Ireland, often affectionately known as the „Emerald Isle“ due to its lush green landscapes, is a captivating nation situated on the western edge of Europe. This island’s allure stems from a unique blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and a dynamic modern economy. It comprises the Republic of Ireland, an independent sovereign state covering roughly five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, which remains part of the United Kingdom. Its strategic location in the North Atlantic has profoundly shaped its climate, history, and engagement with the wider world.

Geographically, Ireland is characterized by its central lowlands, which are encircled by a ring of coastal mountains and hills. The landscape is predominantly green, dotted with numerous lakes, rivers, and bogs, a testament to its temperate maritime climate. This climate is heavily influenced by the North Atlantic Current, resulting in mild winters, cool summers, and abundant rainfall throughout the year, sustaining the island’s verdant flora. The longest river, the Shannon, meanders through the heart of the country, while the dramatic coastlines, particularly along the Wild Atlantic Way, offer breathtaking vistas of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque peninsulas. Notable mountain ranges include Macgillycuddy’s Reeks in the southwest, home to Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak. The island’s natural beauty is a significant draw for tourists and a source of national pride.

Ireland’s history is a rich tapestry woven with threads of triumph, tragedy, and resilience. Its story began with prehistoric settlers, evident in ancient megalithic structures like Newgrange, dating back over 5,000 years. The arrival of Celtic tribes around 500 BC profoundly shaped the island’s culture, language, and mythology. The 5th century AD saw the introduction of Christianity, famously attributed to St. Patrick, transforming Ireland into a „land of saints and scholars“ during Europe’s Dark Ages, with monastic settlements becoming crucial centres of learning and art. Viking invasions from the 9th century led to the establishment of important towns such as Dublin, Cork, and Limerick. However, a more significant turning point came in the 12th century with the Norman invasion, which gradually extended English influence over the island. Centuries of English and later British rule followed, marked by conflict, land confiscations (plantations), and the suppression of Irish language and culture through measures like the Penal Laws.

The 19th century brought one of Ireland’s darkest chapters: An Gorta Mór, or the Great Famine, between 1845 and 1849. Caused by potato blight and exacerbated by British government policies, it resulted in over a million deaths and forced mass emigration, drastically reducing the population and fuelling a powerful nationalist movement. The early 20th century witnessed a surge in demands for independence, culminating in the 1916 Easter Rising and the subsequent War of Independence (1919-1921). The Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 led to the partition of the island, creating the Irish Free State (which became the Republic of Ireland in 1949) and Northern Ireland, which remained part of the United Kingdom. The latter half of the 20th century saw „The Troubles“ in Northern Ireland, a period of sectarian conflict that largely ended with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, paving the way for peace and reconciliation.

Demographically, the Republic of Ireland has a population of just over 5 million, while Northern Ireland accounts for approximately 1.9 million. Historically, the population was predominantly of Irish ethnic origin and Roman Catholic. However, in recent decades, Ireland has become increasingly diverse, with significant immigration from other European countries, Asia, and Africa, particularly since its entry into the European Economic Community (now the EU) in 1973. While English is the dominant spoken language, Irish (Gaelic) remains the first official language and is actively promoted, with Gaeltacht regions where it is the primary community language. Religious practices have also diversified, with a noticeable trend towards secularization and a growing number of people identifying as non-religious, though Roman Catholicism still holds a significant cultural presence. Major urban centres include the capital, Dublin, along with Cork, Limerick, and Galway.

Economically, Ireland has undergone a remarkable transformation. For much of its history, it was primarily an agricultural nation. However, from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, it experienced an unprecedented period of rapid economic growth known as the „Celtic Tiger.“ This boom was largely driven by a highly educated workforce, pro-business policies, and a low corporate tax rate, which attracted substantial Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from multinational corporations. Today, Ireland is a global hub for several key sectors: information and communications technology (ICT), with giants like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook having significant European headquarters there; pharmaceuticals and medical technology, with many of the world’s leading companies operating in the country; and financial services, particularly in Dublin. Agriculture, especially dairy and beef, remains an important sector, and tourism contributes significantly to the economy, leveraging the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. While the economy faced challenges during the 2008 global financial crisis, it has since recovered robustly, though issues such as housing affordability and the cost of living remain pressing concerns. The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro, while Northern Ireland uses Pound Sterling.

Irish culture is renowned worldwide for its warmth, hospitality, and rich artistic traditions. It boasts an extraordinary literary heritage, producing Nobel laureates such as W.B. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, and Seamus Heaney, whose works have profoundly influenced global literature. Traditional Irish music, characterized by instruments like the fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán, is celebrated globally and often enjoyed in the convivial atmosphere of the local pub, which serves as a vital social hub. Gaelic sports, including Gaelic football and hurling, are deeply ingrained in the national psyche, alongside rugby and soccer. The strong Irish diaspora around the world also plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Irish identity and traditions. In recent years, Ireland has also undergone significant social change, becoming a more liberal and inclusive society, exemplified by referendums legalizing same-sex marriage and abortion, reflecting a modern nation grappling with its past while embracing a progressive future.

In conclusion, Ireland is an island of enduring charm and complexity, a nation that has navigated centuries of challenge to emerge as a dynamic, modern European state. Its deep historical roots and vibrant cultural expressions, combined with its stunning landscapes and a thriving, outward-looking economy, make it a truly unique and captivating country. From the ancient echoes of its Celtic past to the innovative spirit of its tech-driven present, Ireland continues to fascinate and inspire, embodying a spirit of resilience and a profound sense of identity that resonates far beyond its shores.

Information about Ireland

The information comes from the publication CIA The World Factbook.

Automated text translation, excuse errors, please!

Country Ireland is situated in a location / continent Europe. Ireland has an area of 70 273 km² and 4 722 028 residents. The highest point has a height 1 041 above sea level. and it is called Carrauntoohil. The lowest point is located at the level of 0 above sea level and it is named Atlantic Ocean. System of government is republic and the date of independence 6th December 1921. The capital city is Dublin. Ireland has the international abbreviation EI.

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Ireland - economy

Total gross domestic product (GDP) is 183 900 000 000 $. Total gross domestic product per capita in purchasing power parity is 40 100 $. GDP grows by 0.70 % a year. Inflation (consumer price index) is equal to 2.60 % a year. Ireland have 2 126 000 working-age population (from a total population 4 722 028 people). Unemployment is at 14.40 %. Ireland issued 7.60 % GDP to healt care and 0,90 % GDP to army. The public debt of the country is 105.40 % GDP. The total amount of foreign debt is 2 352 000 000 000 USD.

Ireland - demography

As suggested above, Ireland has 4 722 028 people. Population growth is in the amount 1.11 % per year. Number of children born per 1000 population per year is 15.81.Every mother has average 2.01 children. The infant mortality rate is 3.81 and maternal mortality 6.00 deaths per 100,000 births. Average estimated life expectancy makes 80.32 years. Mortality is 6.38 people per 1000 population per year.

Ireland - transport and telecommunications

Ireland has 96 036 km of roads, 3 237 km of railway lines and 39 airports. The total length of waterways (navigable rivers, canals, etc.) is 956 km. There is registered 31 ships.

Number of active mobile phones (sim card) in the country Ireland is 4 906 000. Number of active fixed telephone lines is 2 047 000. Ireland has 3 042 000 internet users, who have the available 1 380 000 Internet connections. Ireland has been assigned a domain first Choose range .ie.

Ireland - energetics

Ireland consumes a year 26 100 000 000 kWh of electricity. Annual electricity production is 26 350 000 000 kWh in power plants with a total installed electrical capacity 7 401 000 kW. Ireland exports 242 000 000 kWh and imports 732 000 000 kWh of electricity per year Energy mix of power generation is as follows: fossil fuels: 75.3 %, nuclear energy: 0 %, renewable: 17.5 %, hydropower: 3.2 %.