RR #42 Ireland

Ireland is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island in the world. The island is divided between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom. The population of Ireland is approximately 6.2 million people. The island has lush vegetation, a product of its mild but changeable oceanic climate, which avoids extremes in temperature. Thick woodlands covered the island until the 17th century. Today, it is the most deforested area in Europe. There are twenty-six extant mammal species native to Ireland.

Irish culture has had a significant influence on other cultures, particularly in the fields of literature and, to a lesser degree, science and education. A strong Irish culture exists, as expressed for example through Gaelic games, Irish music and the Irish language, alongside a common Western culture, such as contemporary music and drama, and sports such as soccer, rugby and golf, and the English language. (source)Thank you Brian!