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The Republic of Ireland (Irish: Poblacht na hÉireann) is the official
description of the sovereign state which covers approximately five-sixths
of the island of Ireland, off the coast of north-west Europe. The state's
official name is Ireland (Irish: Éire), and this is how international
organisations and citizens of Ireland usually refer to the country. It is a member
of the European Union,has a developed economy and a population of slightly more
than 4.2 million.The remaining sixth of the island of Ireland is known as Northern Ireland
and is part of the United Kingdom. Ireland is the fastest growing country in Europe,
with a population increase of 8.1% between 2002 and 2006, or 2.25% annually.
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