Area
70,273 sq km or 27,133 sq miles.
Population
3,880,000 (2003 est).
Population
Density
55.2 per square km.
Capital
Dublin.
Population of
Dublin
1,100,000 (2002 est).
Geography
The Republic of Ireland lies in the north Atlantic Ocean and is
separated from Britain by the Irish Sea to the east. The northeastern
part (Northern Ireland) is part of the United Kingdom. The country
has a central plain surrounded by a rim of hills and mountains offering
some of the most varied and unspoilt scenery in Europe. Quiet sandy
beaches, semi-tropical bays warmed by the Gulf Stream, and rugged
cliffs make up the 5600km or 3500 miles of coastline.
Government
Republic
Head of State: President Mary McAleese since
1997.
Head of Government: Prime Minister Bertie
Ahern since 1997.
Language
Irish (Gaelic) is the official language, spoken as a first language
by approximately 55,000 people (mostly in the west). The majority
of the Irish speak English. Official papers and documents are printed
in both languages.
Religion
Roman Catholic represents about 95 per cent and Protestant about
5 per cent.
Time
GMT
+ 1 hour (from the last Sunday in March to Saturday before the last
Sunday in October).
Electricity
220
volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are in use. |
