Morgan

ireland > * > > > **__Major Goverment__** >
 * **Major Government**
 * The country is actually governed by Cabinet officials called //ministers.//
 * **Major Religions**
 * The two major religions are Protestants and Catholics. The Protestants are mostly located on the northern border. The Catholics are mostly located on the southern border.
 * **Languages Spoken**
 * **English**
 * **Current leader or president**
 * Mary McAleese
 * **Brief history of the country including any important people and major wars**
 * The history of Ireland is the story of a small island nation west of the island of Great Britain and the mainland of Europe. The country’s location greatly influenced its history and growth. Ireland received most of its early settlers and culture from the mainland of Europe. But from 1160 A.D. onward, the relationship between England and Ireland forms the central theme of Irish history. The English attempted to conquer Ireland, but the Irish put up a strong resistance. Ireland suffered through devastating wars that impoverished it. English landlords took over most of Ireland’s land. Political and religious tensions and economic problems forced many Irish people to emigrate to other countries. As a result of these challenges, Ireland has remained divided. The 26 southern counties make up an independent republic, and the 6 northwestern counties make up Northern Ireland, which remains part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
 * **Currency**
 * Coins and bills of the euro, the common currency, went into circulation on Jan. 1, 2002. The euro has replaced the individual currencies of 16 member nation.
 * [[image:http://www.worldbookonline.com/pl/content/na/pc/lg/lr004734.gif width="515" height="228" caption="Euro currency"]]
 * **Major cultural traditions (holidays/foods etc..)**
 * **Cultural,** The culture of the people living in the Ireland is far from monolithic, due to various plantations down through the centuries
 * Holidays, Saint Patrick's Day or Christmas Day. Instend of santa he is called fother christmas
 * Food,
 * **[[image:http://www.foodbycountry.com/images/jwef_02_img0155.jpg width="209" height="141" caption="Irish Soda Bread, loaded with raisins and caraway seeds, is cut into wedges and served with sweet butter. EPD Photos"]]//Irish Soda Bread, loaded with raisins and caraway seeds, is cut into wedges and served with sweet butter.//**
 * **Population**The population of Ireland on January 1st 2010 is approximately 6,198,912
 * **Geography**Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C.English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the U.K.. In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland, known as the Good Friday Agreement and approved in 1998, is being implemented with some difficulties.
 * **Major Resources**
 * **Major tourist attractions and or historical sights**
 * **Median Family Income**
 * **Must include a //__Work Cited Page__// with a minimum of 4 resources (1 book 3 websites)**