Ireland

National name: Éire

Government : Republic.

Geography
Ireland is situated in the Atlantic Ocean and separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea. The mountains are low, with the highest peak, Carrantuohill in County Kerry, rising to 1,041 m. The principal river is the Shannon, which begins in the north-central area, flows south and southwest for about 386 km, into the Atlantic.

Historical Background
Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. English invasions began in the 12th century. In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland, known as the Good Friday Agreement and approved in 1998, is being implemented.

Facts & Figures

Name

Ireland

Capital

Dublin

Government

Constitutional republic Parliamentary democracy

Language

Irish, English