Republic of Ireland

:For an explanation of often confusing terms like Ulster, (Republic of) Ireland, (Great) Britain and United Kingdom see British Isles (terminology) .

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of the Republic of Ireland

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The Irish people are mainly of indiginious origin, with the country's only significant minoritys having descended from the Vikings and Anglo-Normans. Some of them are also of English, Scottish, and Welsh descent.

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The official languages are Irish (Gaeilge), the native language, and English. Although learning Irish is not compulsory in education, most schools insist on teaching it to all of their pupils who are not exempt from needing it to qualify for National University of Ireland universities. English is by far the predominant language spoken throughout the country. People living in predominantly Irish-speaking communities (the Gaeltacht) are limited to the low tens of thousands in isolated pockets largely on the western seaboard. Roads signs are usually bilingual, except in the Gaeltachts, where they are in Irish only. The legal status of placenames has recently been the subject of controversy, with an order made in 2005 under the Official Languages Act (2003) changing the official name of certain locations from English to Irish (e.g. Dingle is now officially named An Daingean). Most public notices are only in English, as is most of the print media. National media in Irish exists on TV and radio.

Related Topics:
Irish - English - National University of Ireland - Gaeltacht - 2005 - Official Languages Act (2003) - Dingle

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The Republic of Ireland is 92% nominally Roman Catholic, but there has been a massive decline in full adherence among Irish Catholics. Between 1996 and 2001, regular Mass attendance, already previously in decline, declined from 60% to 48% (it had been 90%+ in 1973), and all but two of its seminaries have closed.

Related Topics:
Roman Catholic - 1996 - 2001 - Mass - 1973

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The second largest Christian denomination, the Church of Ireland (Anglicanism), having been in decline for most of the twentieth century, has now experienced an increase in membership, according to the 2002 census, as have other small Christian denominations, and Islam. The largest other Protestant denominations are the Presbyterian Church in Ireland , followed by the Methodist Church in Ireland. The very small Jewish community in the state has continued to decline in numbers.

Related Topics:
Church of Ireland - Anglicanism - Islam - Presbyterian Church in Ireland - Methodist Church in Ireland - Jewish

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Ireland is also home to a large population of Eastern Europeans, mainly from Poland and Lithuania. Both countries joined the European Union in 2004 along with eight other countries that were formerly behind the "iron-curtain", allowing them to travel without visas or permits, just their European Passports. Ireland has received the largest amount of Eastern European nationals since joining the EU, as they are attracted by Ireland's high wages and high standard of living, about 40,000 immigrants have entered the country over a space of eight months alone. Other nationals living in Ireland are mainly from Ethopia, Nigeria, Cameroon and other African countries.

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