All About Ireland, the Third Largest Island in Europe - Part One

Ireland, the third largest island off the northwest coast of continental Europe: its geography, climate, economy, flora.

Introducing Ireland

Ireland is the second largest island of the British Isles (32,598 square miles/84,429 square kilometers), the third largest island in Europe and the twentieth largest island in the world. The island is divided into two major political units: Northern Ireland, which is joined with Great Britain in the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland, which is an independent country.

The Republic of Ireland covers 27,135 square miles (70,280 square kilometers). It occupies about 5/6 of the island of Ireland.

Dublin, located on the Irish Sea coast, is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and by far its largest city. It became the capital of Ireland in 1922, with the establishment of the Irish Free State, after the split with Britain. Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland, as well as the second largest city on the island of Ireland.

The Ireland flag has three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and orange.

The population is largely Roman Catholic (88%). For ecclesiastical purposes, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (United Kingdom) constitute a single entity.

The official languages are English and Irish (Gaelic). English is the language in common use. Gaelic is most common in the west of the country (the Gaeltacht).

Nearly three-fifths of the population is urban.

The most popular sport in Ireland is Gaelic Football.

source: The English-Speaking World - UK - USA - Edizioni A:P.E

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