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| Capital city: |
Dublin |
| Surface area: |
70,000 sq km |
| Population: |
4.4 million |
| Official language(s): |
Irish, English |
| Head of State: |
President HE Ms Mary McAleese |
| Head of Government: |
An Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Mr Brian Cowen |
| Australian exports to Ireland: |
A$134 million |
| Australian imports from Ireland: |
A$2,399 million |
| Ireland's principal export destinations: |
USA, UK, Belgium |
| Ireland's principal import sources: |
UK, USA, Germany |
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)
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Ireland has been considered as one of the most open trading economies in the world. It is acknowledged that the Global Economic Downturn has had an adverse effect on the Irish economy – particularly in contrast to the recent boom years – and the government organised a ‘mini’ budget in April 2009 to attempt to address many of the fiscal deficits.
For the latest key economic indicators and statistics, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet.
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Political climate
Ireland has a stable political climate focused on embracing the European Community. Ireland became part of the European Community in 1973, and on 1 January 1999 became part of the first wave of 11 European countries to join the European Monetary Union (EMU). Ireland maintains a stable political environment divided between the sovereign State of the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK.
Northern Ireland is ruled directly from London and sends 17 members of parliament to the House of Commons. The peace process in Northern Ireland is progressing, with a devolved power-sharing government aimed at peace in Ulster. The Belfast Agreement (more commonly known as the Good Friday Agreement) was passed by the first island-wide referendum for 70 years to end 30 years of civil conflict with a permanent ceasefire.
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