In the 19th century various tricolor flags and ribbons became symbolic of Irish opposition to British rule. Many of them included the colors green (for the Catholics), orange (for the Protestants), and white (for the peace between the two groups). The tricolor in its modern form was recognized by the constitution on Dec. 29, 1937.

Ireland Official name: Éire (Irish); Ireland (English). Form of government: unitary multiparty republic with two legislative houses (Senate [60]; House of Representatives [166]). Chief of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 3,647,000. Population projection: (2000) 3,673,000; (2010) 3,837,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 5.2 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$62,040,000,000 (U.S.$17,110 per capita).

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