It's said that Ireland, once visited, is never forgotten, and for once the blarney rings true. The Irish landscape has a mythic resonance, the country's history is almost tangible, and a sustained period of investment and economic growth has injected a heady dose of confidence and energy.


Each book in the ongoing "Countries of the World" series depicts a major nation and its unique position in the world. Features of the series include: main chapters that focus on geography, people and culture, history, government and economy, and nature; At a Glance double spreads to present a maximum amount of information in a minimal amount of space, utilizing charts, tables, time lines, and other highly visual elements; and, full-page maps that highlight physical features, vegetation and ecosystems, history, population, and political organization. As a bonus, most photographs within each chapter are tied to a location on the main map for that chapter. Smaller maps zoom in on special topics, such as migration, rainfall, changing borders, resources, industry, and other important themes. Sidebars introduce intriguing people, places, and events, a glossary to aid in comprehension of unfamiliar terms, an extensive bibliography that lists books, National Geographic articles, and Web sites, tips for report writers.