Ireland is an [[island]] off the northwestern coast of [[Europe]]. It is divided between the Republic of Ireland, which consists of twenty-six counties and Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom. According to the last census the Republic of Ireland has a population of 4,062,235[https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/print/ei.html(1)] Northern Ireland has a population of 1,688,600 (1998 est.)[http://www.example.com link title(2)]http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108101.html(2)]
The primary language is English, however, the official language of the Republic is ''Gaeilge'', or ''Irish''. In the Irish language the official name of Ireland (which appears on all coins, stamps, and government documents is ''Eire''.
== History ==
Historically, Ireland's culture has been distinct from other regional cultures, as it was the one of the only [[Celtic]] territories never conquered by the [[Roman Empire]]. For several centuries after Roman rule, it was independent of outside governance, until it was conquered in the 17th century by [[Great Britain]]. The British retained control of the whole island until a war of independence broke out in 1919. The war with the British ended in 1921 with the British retaining control of six counties in the region of [[Ulster]]. The territory independent of the British became the [[Irish Free State]], while the territory controlled by the British became [[Northern Ireland]]. Later, in 1937, the Free State adopted a new constitution, changing its name to Ireland.
== Politics ==
The southern 26 counties officially became a Republic in 1949.
It is generally referred to as the Republic of Ireland, although this is technically merely a description of the country.
[[Image:Ireland.gif]]