a republic in NW Europe occupying most of Ireland: established as the Irish Free State (a British dominion) in 1921 and declared a republic in 1949; joined the European Community (now the European Union) in 1973. Official languages: Irish (Gaelic) and English. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: euro. Capital: Dublin. Pop: 4 761 657 (2017 est). Area: 70 285 sq km (27 137 sq miles)