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Ireland Information: Facts about Ireland

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Ireland - history and politics

A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for the 26 southern counties; the six northern counties (Ulster) remained part of Great Britain.

Ireland flag

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 currently being implemented.

Celtic cross

More Information about Ireland

Area:

total: 70,280 sq km
water: 1,390 sq km
land: 68,890 sq km

Climate:

temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time

Population:

3,883,159 (July 2002 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.3% (male 425,366; female 403,268)
15-64 years: 67.3% (male 1,307,469; female 1,305,038)
65 years and over: 11.4% (male 191,927; female 250,091) (2002 est.)

Independence:

6 December 1921 (from UK by treaty)

National holiday:

Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March

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