Bartholomew Patrick Ahern
Prime Minister

(pronounced "bar-THAL-a-mew PA-trick ah-HERN")

"The people of Ireland want to see our country modernized, but they want to see it modernized in a way that's consistent with their own beliefs."

The Republic of Ireland is situated on a small island in the Atlantic Ocean, located approximately 80 km (50 mi) to the west of Great Britain. The two countries are separated by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and the St. George's Channel. Covering a total area of 70,282 sq km (27,136 sq mi), the republic encompasses all but the six northeastern counties.

The first official language of the country is Irish (Gaelic), but its use is not as widespread as English, which is spoken universally. Ireland is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic (91.6%). The largest city and capital, Dublin, is home to almost one-third of the country's nearly 3.9 million people.

Economic...