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An Introduction to Ireland
Celtic tribes settled on the island from 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 and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the United Kingdom. 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 with some difficulties.
Map of Ireland ( Location ) : 53 00 N, 8 00 W, Western Europe, occupying five-sixths of the island of Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain.
For additional reports and educational information specific to Ireland, refer to the Country Info menubar to the upper right.
The Irish Flag
Three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and orange; similar to the flag of Cote d'Ivoire, which is shorter and has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter and has colors of green (hoist side), white, and red.
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Rankings of The Most Populous Countries in the World.
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Some interesting facts and figures about Ireland.
Pop Growth Rate / Year:
• 1.16%
Avg. Life Expectancy:
• 74.74 yrs - Male
• 80.15 yrs - Female
Phone Lines:
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1.955 million (2003)
Televisions:
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1.82 million (2001)
Radios:
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2,550,000 (1997)
Internet Code:
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.ie
Did you know ... People from Ireland are called Irish
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