The Republic of Ireland is the southern portion of the island of Ireland.
 It is located in the North Atlantic just west of Great Britain.  The land
is mostly lush green rolling plain with some hills and low mountains.  The
climate is mild and humid.

Nearly 4 million people live in the Republic of Ireland.  In decades past,
many emigrated from Ireland to other lands, particularly the United States.
 The native people are of Celtic origin.

The Irish economy is based on industry and agriculture.  Ireland is also
one of the leading exporters of information technology skills.  The Foot
and Mouth disease outbreak in England in the spring of 2001 was a grave
threat to Irish farms, but Ireland was largely spared from the disease.

Ireland has turbulent past in political affairs.  After an uprising in
1916, the Republic of Ireland gained independence from Great Britain in
1921.  At that time, the island of Ireland was divided.  The southern 26
counties, predominantly Roman Catholic, formed the Republic of Ireland.
 The northern 6 counties, majority Protestant, became Northern Ireland and
remained part of Great Britain.  There are many on both sides of the
partition who desire a united, independent Ireland, and some favor violence
to accomplish their goal.  As a result, Great Britain has suffered through
many years of terrorist attacks.

Although the Roman Catholic Church is not the official state church, it is
still very influential.  Over 90% of the people are Catholic.  Unlike the
Catholic church rolls in many countries, a high percentage of the people
(75%) actually attend mass at least once per week.

Protestants account for only 4% and less than 1% are evangelical.  The
number of Protestants has fallen by two thirds since the partition of the
Northern Ireland.  Many evangelical missionaries are working in Ireland.
 Pray for their efforts to reach people with the gospel.

There have been a number of renewal movements within the Catholic church
that are encouraging.  Bibles are widely used.  Pray that many would truly
discover what the Scriptures say about Jesus.

The churches of Ireland have sent out many missionaries to foreign fields.
 Pray for their ministries and pray that they will continue to receive
consistent financial support.