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FACTS IN BRIEF Capital: Dublin Official Languages: English and Irish Form of Government: Republic Head of Government: Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern (since 26 June 1997) Head of State: President Mary McAleese (since 11 November 1997) Parliment: Dail (House of Deputies) 166 members - 5 year terms; Seanad (Senate) 60 members - 5 year terms. Current Government: Fianna Fail, Progressive Democrat Coalition Area: 27,136 sq miles (70,280 sq km) Greatest distance (north-south) 289 miles; (east-west) 177 miles; Coastline 1,738 miles. Elevation: Highest - Carrantuohill (3,414ft); Lowest - sea level along coast. Climate: Temperate Maritime Natural Resources: zinc, lead, natural gas, barite, copper, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, peat, silver Population: 3,797,257 (July 2000 est.) 40% of the population resides within 100 km of Dublin Population growth rate: 1.16% (2000 est.) Ratio: 0.98 male(s)/female (2000 est.) Life Expectancy: 76.8 Years Religions: Roman Catholic 91.6%, Church of Ireland 2.5%, other 5.9% (1998) Administrative divisions: 26 counties; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow National Holiday: Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March Economy: Ireland has a modern, trade-dependent economy with growth averaging a robust 9% in 1995-99. Industry accounts for 39% of GDP and about 80% of exports and employs 28% of the labor force, Services 56% and Agriculture 5%. GDP: - $73.7 billion (1999 est.) Industries: food products, brewing, textiles, clothing; chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, transportation equipment, glass and crystal; software Currency: 1 Irish pound = 100 pence until 1/1/2002 From 1/1/2002 - 1 Euro = 100 cents (European Union common currency). Transport: Railways: 1,947 km Roads: 92,500 km (Major nationwide road upgrade in progress) Waterways: 700 km (navigable by small craft) Ports and Harbors: Arklow, Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Foynes, Galway, Limerick, New Ross, Waterford Airports - with paved runways: 17 (4 International) |
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