The Republic of Ireland is situated on an island west of Great Britain. It borders Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Ireland was covered by ice during the Ice Age, but civilisation artefacts are found from Neolithic times. The Celts inhabited the area during the Iron Age. The Romans referred to Ireland as Hibernia, but it was never conquered by the Romans. Christianity came allegedly to Ireland in the 5th Century, where it expelled the druid tradition.

During the Early Middle Ages, Ireland was raided repeatedly by the Vikings, who, however, also settled there. During the Late Middle Ages Ireland, was at war with England, who eventually conquered the island. Despite numerous rebellions, Ireland remained a part of Great Britain until the Irish War of Independence, which resulted in Irish independent in 1921. Ireland was neutral during World War II. In 1949 Ireland was declared a republic. In the post war years Ireland had a poor economy and many people emigrated. However, since the 90s the Irish economy has been growing rapidly. Ireland is a member of the European Union.

Inhabitants: 4,200,000
Area: 70,200 km2
Capital: Dublin (1,000,000 inhabitants)
Languages: English, Irish
Religion: Catholics (87%), atheists (5%), Protestants (4%), others (4%)
GDP (PPP) per capita: $44,000
Government: Government Republic and Parliamentary Democracy
Climate: Temperate island climate.