Population
4 921 500 (2019)
Conditional reduction of currency
EUR
Climate, average max and min t°
temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time; avg. maximum temperature (July) +20°; avg. minimum temperature (January) +8°
Time difference from Moscow
- 2 hours
State language
Irish and English
Ethnic groups
White Irish 84,5%, other white 9,1%, Asian / Asian Irish 1,9%, Black / Black Irish 1,4% and other 0,7%
History
The history of Ireland goes back to 600-150 BC, when Celtic and other tribes arrived in the island. Despite its location or may be thanks to it, Ireland had never been part of the Roman Empire, therefore it was not influenced by the internal wars between Germanic tribes. However, Vikings’ invasion brought a significant damage to the cultural development of the country. 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. Due to the plague, which burst out in 1348 and carried away numerous lives, British control did not expand outside Dublin. Christian expansion began since 6th century. Ireland remained a catholic state during English reformation. A very important role in the history of Ireland was played by Oliver Cromwell who subdued almost the whole territory. In 1801 Ireland became part of the United Kingdom. In 1922, after the War of Independence, the country was divided into 2 parts – Northern Ireland which is part of the UK till now, and the Irish Free State, which became a republic in 1949. In 1973, Ireland joined the European Community.
Government type
Republic, parliamentary democracy
Executive branch
Government headed by the Taoiseach (prime minister)
Legislative branch
The Oireachtas, the bicameral national parliament, which consists of Dáil Éireann (the House of Representatives), Seanad Éireann (the Senate) and the President of Ireland
Judicial branch
The Supreme Court (Cúirt Uachtarach), the High Courts (Ard-Chúirt), district courts (Chúirt Chuarda) and magistrate courts (Chúirt Dúiche)
GDP per capita rank
5 (2018)
Corruption perceptions index rank
18 (2018)
