The island of Ireland is just west of the United Kingdom and is the westernmost island in Europe. The Republic of Ireland consists of two regions (NUTS 2 level): the Border, Midland & Western Region and the Southern & Eastern Region. It comprises 8 Regional Authority areas (NUTS 3 level) covering 26 geographic areas called counties. Some of these are further subdivided, making 34 administrative counties in all.
The population of Ireland is 3.9 million (at the census in 2002), and the total area is 70 182 km². The greatest distances are, from north to south 486 km, and from east to west 275 km. The population density varies from 1 219 persons per km² in the Regional Authority of Dublin to 26 per km² in the West Regional Authority. The most populated cities are Dublin (496 000), Cork (123 000) and Galway (66 000). There are many inhabited islands off the coast, of which Achill Island in County Mayo is the most populated (2 620).
Ireland's climate is influenced by the relatively warm waters of the Gulf Stream and by the prevailing south-western winds from the Atlantic. This combination results in a climate with temperatures fairly uniform across the whole country. Frost is relatively infrequent, and snow unusual. The average temperature in January and February is between 4°C and 7°C, and in July and August between 14 °C and 16 °C. Average annual rainfall varies between 800 and 1 200 mm in low lying areas and 2000 mm or more in mountainous areas.
The flora of Ireland is similar to that found over much of Europe, though it is smaller in range. Of some 380 species of wild birds recorded, 135 breed in Ireland. Freshwater species of fish include salmon, char, carp, bream, eel, pike and brown trout. Amphibia are represented by a single native species of frog, toad and newt. Only one native reptile, the common lizard, is found. There are thirty-one species of mammal, including red deer, fox, badger, red squirrel, otter, grey seal, common seal and many cetacean species.
In Ireland, pollution levels are low because of a relatively late industrialization, the absence of pollution-prone industries and a relatively low population density. The unspoiled environment has helped in developing the tourism sector and is an important advantage in marketing agricultural products.
Transport costs are a significant burden on the economy as the Irish market is small and there is a heavy reliance on exports for growth and employment expansion.
The Constitution of Ireland, adopted by plebiscite in 1937, sets out the form of government and defines the powers and functions of the President, both Houses of the Oireachtas (Parliament) and the Government. It also defines the structures and powers of the Courts and sets out the fundamental rights of citizens.
The President is the Head of State. Where there is more than one candidate for the Office, the President is elected by direct vote of the people.
The Republic of Ireland is a parliamentary democracy with two Houses of Parliament - the Dail (House of Representatives) and the Seanad (Senate). The Dáil has 166 members at present. Elections take place at least every five years. Every citizen over the age of 18 has the right to vote. The main political parties represented in the Dáil are Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour, the Progressive Democrats, the Green Party and Sinn Féin.
The Seanad has 60 members. It may initiate or amend legislation, but the Dáil has the power to reject any such amendments or proposed legislation.
