Analysis of the Business and Operationg Environments of Ireland - Essay Example

At the end, the paper provides information on the prospects and problems of establishing business relations with Ireland. Overview: Ireland is an island having an area of about 32,595.1 sq mi. The island has an ideal strategic location and is located to the northwest of Continental Europe. The Atlantic Ocean is located to the west of Ireland and the Celtic sea is located to the south. The island is vast and therefore forms the third largest island of Europe. Ireland is the world’s twentieth largest island and is politically divided into two parts: Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

(The Survey, 1966). The Republic of Ireland occupies five-sixths of the total area of Ireland and the Northern Ireland occupies the remaining area. Northern Island is a part of Great Britain and has a north eastern location. (Ireland. Paris, 1969). In accordance with a recent census, Ireland has an approximate population of 6.4 million. Northern Ireland has a population of 4.5 million while the population of Republic of Ireland is approximately 1.8 million. (Wyndham 2010). The topography of Ireland is diverse but primarily consists of a central plain surrounded by relatively low lying mountains and it is also known as the Emerald Isle.

Ireland has a temperate and an insular climate. The central plain has a number of tributaries of navigable rivers. The largest of Republic of Ireland is Dublin while the largest city of Northern Ireland is Bedfast. The culture of Ireland is diverse and is the product of the combination of different cultures. The major ethnic groups of Ireland are Irish, Ulster Scotts, and Irish Travellers. (McCarthy, Joe 1964). The Republic of Ireland was declared a free Irish state on 6th December 1922 and Northern Ireland is a part of Great Britain and was established as a separate state on 3rd May 1921.

Ireland has four provinces which are Connacht, Leinster, Munster, Ulster. Connacht is located in the western part of the island and Leinster has an eastern location. Munster is located in the south and Ulster in the north. There are thirty two traditional colonies in Ireland. The Republic of Ireland has twenty six colonies and the remaining ones are the part of Northern Island. Ireland has a mild climate which favors the growth of lush green vegetation. (Ruane et al 2003). The island has frequent rainfall throughout the year.

The weather is primarily determined by Maritime influence. During the Ice Age, a larger area of Ireland was covered with ice and this is the primary reason why the diversity of plant, animal and aquatic species of Ireland shows a lesser degree of diversity than Great Britain. Ireland is home to about 55 species of mammals. The prominent mammalian species include the hedge hog, red fox and badger. Furthermore, Ireland is home to more than 400 bird species. Ireland is a healthy island and a large part of its population is well aware of the importance of fitness.

The educational system of Ireland is dual. Ireland has a high literacy rate and the Republic of Ireland has an ideal educational system based on three levels; primary, secondary and higher. (McCarthy, Joe 1964).The educational system of Northern Ireland is different from that of the rest of United Kingdom and is highly successful as more than one third of the students obtained A