www.nationmaster.com/country/ei
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Summary: Ireland is a country in Western Europe and member of the European Union. The main religion is christianity. The main languages are English and Irish. Ireland seceded from the United Kingdom in 1921. Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom. The country is a parliamentary democratic republic.
Background: Celtic tribes settled on the island in the 4th century 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 currently being implemented.
Borders: UK 360 km
Population: 3,924,140 (July 2003 est.)
GDP per capita: $28974.50 per person
Top Rankings
1st for Economy - Development assistance to LDCs
1st for Economy - Targeting of foreign aid
1st for People - Home ownership
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Bottom Rankings
Last for People - Disabled persons employment
Last for Economy - Government spending in research and development
Last for Transportation - Airports - with paved runways - 2438 to 3047 m (per $ GDP)
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