Official name: Republic of Ireland
Capital City : Dublin
Area : 70,280 sq km
Highest point: Carrauntoohill 1,038 m
Climate : Temprate: moderated by north Atlantic current
Population : 3,589,000
population Change:
0,5%
Life Expectancy : Males 73, females 78 years
Languages : Irish, English
Currency : Punt = 100 pence
Population per Doctor : . 633 people
Time Zone : GMT
Military Expenditure 1.2 % of GNP


FACTS ON IRELAND

 
  • A sex change has never been performed in Ireland.
  • In Ireland, St Patrick's Day is both a holy day and a national holiday. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. It was he who brought Christianity to Ireland. According to legend, Saint Patrick used a shamrock to explain God. This small green plant that looks like a clover, has three leaves on it. Saint Patrick told the people that the shamrock was the idea of the Trinity- that in the one God there are three divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The shamrock is also the national flower of Ireland. 'The wearing of the green' on Saint Patrick's day is a reminder of all the green countryside of Ireland. In fact, this island nation is so green it is often called the Emerald Isle.
  • Ireland adopted the Harp after the English banned bag pipes from being played during the occupation of Ireland. This is why the Irish have the Harp as a symbol of the country. It appears on bank notes flags and on the famous stout drink Guinnes

 

 

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