2. Ireland By: Camden Rucker Mrs.Stippich 5 th grade

3. Map of Ireland The green stripe represents Roman Catholics in Ireland. The orange stripe represents Irish Protestants. The white stripe, in the center, represents the hope for peace between the two groups. Dublin, the capital, is Ireland's largest city. Approximately 500,000 people live within the city limits. Nearly 1 million people live in the greater metropolitan area.

4. Products: Manufacture Agriculture  Manufacturing accounts for over 45 percent of Ireland's GDP. Ireland produces computer software, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. It is famous for its cloth, particularly tweeds and linens. It is also known for its alcoholic beverages, namely beers, stouts, ales, and Irish whiskey. The glass and crystal produced in the city of Waterford are world- renowned. High rainfall and mild temperatures make Ireland one of the finest grass-producing areas in the world. As a result, the main rural occupation is raising cattle, sheep, pigs, and horses. Cattle and cattle products account for about 50 percent of agricultural output. Ireland's most important field crops are potatoes, barley, wheat, turnips, and sugar beets.

5. Physical Features  The Republic of Ireland covers most of the island of Ireland. It shares the island with Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, and Wales are also part of the UK). Ireland’s landscape consists of a central plain surrounded by low mountain ranges and hills located near the coasts. Rich farmland and pastureland can be found on the central plain. Ireland is dotted with hundreds of lakes. Winters are wet and mild. Summers are cool. Ireland is often called the Emerald Isle because the dampness, fog, and rain make the country green like an emerald.

6. Basic info: Currency, Lang, Religion  For many centuries the Gaelic language was spoken throughout the country. Gaelic, also known as Irish, is one of the oldest languages in Europe. It is still taught in schools and considered the nation's first official language. English is second. English has replaced Gaelic as the common language of almost the entire population. Today Gaelic is spoken by only a few people, mainly in areas along the western coast. The Gaelic name for Ireland is Éire. The Irish are known as the religious people more than 90% are Roman Catholic. This a picture of money it is not the same as the ordinary American dollar they call this a Euro. The Irish economy used to depend a lot on farming and ranching, but agriculture plays a much smaller role now. The country’s major crops include potatoes, sugar beets, turnips, barley, and wheat. Ranchers and dairy farmers are also important to the agriculture sector. But Ireland’s economy now depends much more on industry. Irish companies make things such as medicines, fabrics, software, machines, and food products. Tourism is also significant since several million visitors travel to Ireland each year. In 2002, the Euro replaced the punt

7. Place of Interest  Ireland's Cliffs of Moher, on the Atlantic coast, display some of the country's extraordinary natural beauty. Most of the island is occupied by the Republic of, an independent nation that is the focus of this article. The northwestern region is known as Northern Ireland. This region is part of the United Kingdom. A separate article on Northern Ireland appears in this encyclopedia. This division of the island has caused great political turmoil and much bloodshed for hundreds of years.  Ireland's Cliffs of Moher, on the Atlantic coast, display some of the country's extraordinary natural beauty. Most of the island is occupied by the Republic of Ireland, an independent nation that is the focus of this article. The northwestern region is known as Northern Ireland. This region is part of the United Kingdom. A separate article on Northern Ireland appears in this encyclopedia. This division of the island has caused great political turmoil and much bloodshed for hundreds of years.Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland

8. Bibliography  "Ireland." The New Book of Knowledge®. 2010. Grolier Online. 21 Jan. 2010.