Erin's Web > Ireland > Facts About Ireland

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To get you started, I thought a few facts about Ireland would be helpful for those who aren't familiar with the island. Yes, Ireland is an island. In the year c. 1.5 million BC, Ireland was linked to the European continent, most of which was predominantly ice-covered. As the climate warmed up the ice melted and the sea levels rose gradually cutting Ireland off from the rest of the land mass. In the year c8,000 BC, it's first inhabitants were Mesolithic peoples (*middle stone age). They traveled to Ireland over the land bridges from Britain, and Ireland was, at that point and time, one large dense forest. While a lot of that forest is gone, Ireland still remains one of the most beautiful places on earth.

* Paleolithic-early stone age; Neolithic-late stone age

Facts & Statistics

Republic of Ireland
Population	3,626,2087 (1996)
Capital City	Dublin
Land Area	70, 283 sqkm (27,136 sqml )
Language	English, Gaelic (Irish)
Religion	Roman Catholic, Protestant
Currency	Euro
Exports	Beef & Dairy products, Information Technology (Hardware & Software) Pharmaceuticals
Imports	Machinery, Vehicles, Textiles, Fuel
Principal Occupations	Agriculture, Technology, Manufacturing, Financial Services, Tourism
National Sports	Gaelic Football, Hurling, Soccer,
Climate	Temperate mild Winters, with rain during Summers.

Northern Ireland ( UK )
Population	1,578,000 (1996)
Capital	Belfast
Land Area	14,121 sqkm (5,452 sqml)
Language	English
Religion	Protestant, Roman Catholic
Currency	Sterling Pound
Exports	Agricultural products, Machinery
Imports	Fuel, Vehicles, Textiles

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