The Emerald Isle

1. The Emerald Isle By Rachel Gabbard

2. Culture The Irish people are easy going, light hearted, good humored, polite and cheerful. “God gave us time and he gave us plenty” Irish is the 1st language, English is the 2nd language. 88% roman catholic. Women president presses for more women equality. Literature is a big part of the Irish culture. Traditional Irish values include good education, secure job, home ownership, and a good sense of humor EQ: Irelands culture is a very unique culture. They don’t take hardly anything very serious. They know they have a lot of time to do nearly everthing.

3. The Way of Life The Irish love traditions. Two of the most enduring are Irish Dancing and traditional music. The Irish also love a good excuse for a party. They love festivals and fairs. They also believe that the Pub is the heart of cultural, social and musical life.

4. A Badly Baked Pie? Rugged coastal hills and low mountains surround the islands fertile, central plains, numerous lakes and bogs. No part of the country is more than 70 miles from the coast. Due to the fertile and lush farmlands, agriculture is still a major source of income and employment. Farm products contribute about 20% of the total value of exports and agriculture share of employment is about 14%. EQ: There geography ,climate and naturaulrecorces connect to ther daily lives. They have fertile farmlands which makes agriculture a major source of employment.

5. Wonder what the weather is today? Ireland’s climate is constantly changing. Some people say it’s not unusual to experience 4 seasons in one day. Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle because it is so green and receives a lot of rain. Winter weather in Ireland is typically clouds and rain with an average temperature of 41 degrees. Summers are warm and sunny. Normally does not get below 65 degrees Ireland’s natural resources are natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, and silver.

6. Economy Ireland is a developed country with a high standard of living. GDP – per capita is 41,700 (industry 29%, services 69%, agriculture 2%) Labor force by occupation: (industry 19%, services 76%, agriculture 5%) Unemployment rate is 15% Poverty Rate is 5.5% The quality of life in Ireland is very good. Low poverty rate, and improving economy shows this. EQ: the economic data reveals a lot about there quality of life. Because they are a developing country most of the families are rich.

7. More on Economy Ireland’s inflation rate is 1.3% (17th) Industries: Chemicals, food products, beverages, brewing, medical devices, computer hardware and software, and pharmaceuticals Exports: Machinery, computers, chemicals, food and animal products, pharmaceuticals Export Partners: US 22.3%, UK 16.1%, Belgium 15.5%, Germany 7%, Switzerland 4.2% France 5.7% Imports: Petroleum, Textiles, Machinery Import Partners: UK 39.8%, US 13%, Germany 7.8% Netherlands 5.8%

8. “Mini Miss Ireland” There is a lot of controversy over a contest that the organizers of The Miss Ireland pageant have created. It is based on the show that is aired in the U.S. called “Toddlers & Tiara’s”. They want to draw in girls as young as 5 years old to compete against each other in a beauty contest. They wanted to call the winner Miss Ireland but do not have the authority to do so. Kids were dressing similar to adults at a masquerade ball. Some say it is not as extreme as “Toddlers and Tiaras” and that Ireland isn't ready for that yet. The kids only wear short sleeved dresses, unlike the U.S. show where the kids dress up like adult models. EQ: the United States have a different opinion then Ireland. The U.S. love to have young girls dress like audults. On the other hand Ireland doesn’t.

9. Erin go bragh(Ireland Forever) Some people say the Irish people are the friendliest people in the world. Ask for directions and don’t be surprised if they take you there themselves. Their culture is centered around pubs where you can hear traditional Irish music, or do some Irish dancing. The Irish people understand what it means to come from a group of people that are connected to one another. They are proud of who they are and believe the people are their greatest asset.

10. Kylemore Abbey Belfast City Hall A thatched roof house in the town of Adare (cheap) Galway Bay

11. The End