Lying in the Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of Great Britain, the Irish republic occupies about 85% of the island of Ireland. Low coastal mountain ranges surround a central basin with lakes, hills, and peat bogs. Centuries of struggle against English colonialism led to the formation of the Irish Free State in 1922 and full sovereignty in 1937. Efforts to resolve the Northern Ireland conflict center on the 1998 Good Friday accord, under which Ireland gave up its territorial claim.

The population is 95% ethnic Irish. The influence of the Roman Catholic Church is declining. Ireland is now a country of net immigration, reversing the trend of the last 150 years.

Strengths

The "Celtic tiger" – one of Europe's fastest-growing economies: real GDP growth of 9% a year in the latter half of the 1990s. Trade surplus. Low inflation. Efficient agriculture and food processing. Expanding high-tech sector: electronics account for 25% of exports. Large recipient of EU infrastructure aid. Highly educated workforce.

Weaknesses

Many key sectors owned by overseas multinationals. Danger of economy overheating. Housing shortage. Rapid growth is now straining infrastructure.

In 1973, an FG–LP coalition took power, marking the end of FF as the traditional party of government – a role it had held since 1932. Government leadership then alternated between FG and FF. The latter, dominating an FF–PD coalition under Bertie Ahern as taoiseach (prime minister) from 1997, improved its position in the April 2002 elections but without winning a majority.

Ireland, the UK, and the USA are involved in the Northern Ireland peace process. A 2001 referendum rejected the EU's Nice treaty, embarrassing the government.

Ireland is determined to maintain its neutrality, despite EU moves to establish a common European defense policy. It has observer status at the WEU.

Oil has been found off the south coast. Studies suggest that this may be in commercially exploitable quantities.

The main environmental concerns are overexploitation of the country's peat bogs for fuel and the recent expansion of conifer plantations. While Ireland's levels of forest cover will increase in the next few years, most new planting is of conifers. In 1994 stringent new laws increased pollution controls. A small windpower industry is expanding.

EU funds have improved road networks, especially around Dublin, which still, however, suffers from congestion.

Free care is means tested; about one-third of people qualify. Others pay to visit their doctor and for prescriptions, and there is a modest charge for hospital care.

The Roman Catholic Church runs many schools. Increased education spending has resulted in a skilled workforce.

Rural Ireland has one of the EU's lowest crime rates. Urban crime and narcotics are a problem in Dublin and Cork.

Living standards for those with jobs are rising steadily. Welfare for those not in work is low by OECD standards.

Tourist numbers have increased steadily in recent years and exceed six million a year. Vibrant Dublin attracts many on "city breaks." Other draws are scenery, Ireland's "clean" environmental image, and the relaxed lifestyle.

English colonization, begun in 1167, was reinforced after 1558 by anti-Catholic legislation and settlement of Scottish Protestants in the north.

• 1845–1855 Famine. One million die, 1.5 million emigrate.
• 1919–1921 Anglo-Irish war after republican Sinn Féin proclaims Irish independence.
• 1922 Irish Free State set up.
• 1973 FG/LP alliance wins elections ending FF's ascendancy since 1932.
• 1990 Mary Robinson elected first woman president.
• 1995 Referendum favors divorce.
• 1998 Good Friday accord on Northern Ireland.
• 2001 Voters reject EU treaty on expansion.
• 2002 Euro fully adopted. FF retains power.