Ireland

An island located close to Britain, Ireland has been in nearly constant conflict with its neighbor. Alas, things have changed dramatically in the last ten years as has Ireland’s fortunes. Here are 10 quick facts on Ireland:

1) Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle because it is so green.

2) The island is split between two countries, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

3) Prior to 1921, the entire island was part of and controlled by Britain.

4) In 1921, 26 counties in the south were given independence and became the Republic of Ireland.

5) To this day, the UK controls the 6 counties comprising Northern Ireland.

6) Northern Ireland is approximately 55 percent Protestant and 44 percent Catholic.

7) Ireland has remained neutral during the two World Wars.

8) Irish Whiskey is considered some of the best in the world.

9) In 1990, Mary Robinson was elected the first female President of the Republic of Ireland.

10) The ancestors of U.S. Presidents Kennedy and Reagan were Irish.