Ireland has a bowl-like shape with about 1/6 covered in peat. The west coast keeps the interior green. Catholics make up most of the population and English is the official language. Soccer and rugby are popular sports. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17 and Shrove Tuesday involves eating pancakes before Lent. Agriculture, including potatoes and beef, is a main economic activity though Ireland entered recession in 2008 with high unemployment. Dublin is the capital located in western Ireland.

1. Ireland By Nolan McNamara

2. Physical Characteristics About 1/6 of Ireland is covered with "peat" which is a spongy material containing waterlogged mosses and plants. Irelands physical appearance is that of a "bowl" shape. The marine west coast of Ireland keeps the surrounding land and vegetation green. The lowest point of Ireland is at sea level while the highest point is 1,041 meters high.

3. Cultural Characteristics In Ireland, the Roman Catholics make up a huge majority of the population. The official language of Ireland is English. Soccer and rugby are Ireland’s most commonly played sports. Religion plays a significant role in the life of the Irish Roman Catholics.

4. Customs and Traditions In honor of St.Patrick, Ireland holds an annual celebration on March 17 known as “St.Patrick’s Day” This celebration is also celebrated in places around the world such as Savannah. On February 24, the night before the Lenten fast, people prepare and eat mountains of pancakes until they can't eat anymore. This is known as Shrove Tuesday. Irish immigrant brought “Halloween” to America.

5. Economy Economic growth in Ireland was the greatest between 1994 and 2000. Agriculture is one of the main economic activities of Ireland. Ireland entered a recession in 2008. The unemployment rate in Ireland was 14.3% in 2011. Agricultural products include potatoes, barley, wheat, beef, and dairy products.

6. Location Ireland is located in Western Europe. The capital of Ireland is Dublin, which is located in Western Ireland. The latitude and longitude of Ireland are 53°N and 8°W.

7. Map of Ireland

8. BOOM!