homemaking friendsworld infoglobal etiquette
Offical name
Ireland
Capital
Dublin
Government type
republic, parliamentary democracy
Language
English, Irish
Area
70,280 sq km
Population
4,062,235 ( 2006 est.)
Currency
euro (EUR)
Religion
Roman Catholic
Time zone
GMT/UTC 0 ()
Country dialing code
353
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The official name of Ireland used in the international society is in English, the ‘Republic of Ireland.’ However, the name of the country in the Irish Constitution is in Gaelic, ‘Éire.’ Gaelic has been selected as one of the official languages of EU in 2006. Since 1990, Ireland has enjoyed a drastic economic growth, earning a nickname, ‘Celtic Tiger.’ Although there are many reasons for such growth, the most significant reason is the establishment of a ‘Social Partnership,’ participated by labor unions, companies and the Irish government. The literature and music of Ireland are loved all around the world. The great writers of Ireland include Oscar Wilde, William Yeats, James Joyce and Bernard Shaw. There are also many modern Irish singers who are receiving worldwide popularity such as Enya, U2 and the Corrs. Every March, the country enjoys its biggest festival, the Saint Patrick’s Day Festival. During the festival, colorful parades and cultural events are opened all around the country, and people fill the streets wearing ‘green’ hats and clothes.
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