Republic of Ireland explained to kids

The Republic of Ireland is a country located in Europe. It is the second-largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world. The country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Celtic Sea, the Irish Sea, and Northern Ireland. The capital of the Republic of Ireland is Dublin. The population of the Republic of Ireland is over 4.8 million people. The Republic of Ireland is a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the President of Ireland, and the head of government is the Taoiseach. The government is responsible for making laws, and the parliament is responsible for debating and passing those laws. The parliament is made up of the President, the Taoiseach, and the members of the Oireachtas. The Oireachtas is made up of the Dail, which is the lower house, and the Seanad, which is the upper house. The Republic of Ireland is a member of the European Union and the United Nations. It is also a member of the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the World Trade Organization. The Republic of Ireland is a developed country, with a high standard of living. The economy is mainly based on services and industry, with agriculture playing a smaller role. The Republic of Ireland has a temperate climate, with cool winters and mild summers. The country is lush and green, with rolling hills and mountains. There are also many lakes and rivers. The Republic of Ireland is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life. The people of the Republic of Ireland are Irish. The official languages of the country are Irish and English. Irish is the first language of a majority of the population, but English is more commonly used in daily life. The culture of the Republic of Ireland is based on Celtic culture, with influences from England, Scotland, and Wales. There is a strong tradition of music, dance, and storytelling. Irish cuisine is based on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Popular dishes include Irish stew, soda bread, and coddle.