英国国家概况学习笔记(第二部分).doc

Chapter 11　Ireland’s Geography and History ① Ireland’s geographical featuresThe British Isles are made up of two large islands and hundreds of small ones.The two large islands are Great Britain and Ireland. Ireland is also called the Emerald Isle.1.the Emerald Isle:because of its rich green countryside.2.Ireland is divided into two political units.Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom; the Republic of Ireland （Eire）, which is an independent country.3.The Republic of Ireland covers an area of 70,282sq.It is bounded on the northeast by Northern Ireland, on the east and southeast by the Irish Sea and St. George’s Channeland on the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean.4.The capital is Dublin5.Ireland has been compared to a basinin which a limestone plateau is rimmed by coastal highlands.The higest peaks are Car-rantuohill（1,041m）.6.Variety is the main feature of the lowlands.7.The largest river in Ireland is the Shannon River. It provides electric power for much of the Republic.8.The Irish coast,with its striking cliffs,is among the most impressive in Europe.9.Bogs remain the most significant feature of Irish landscape.② Climate in Ireland1.“mild, moist and changeable:” Extreme cold, long frosts, heavy snows in winter and scorching days in summer are uncommon.2.Ireland has excessive rainfall.Overall,Ireland suffers from excessive rather than deficient rainfall.③ Ethnic composition of Ireland1.The basic ethnic stock is Celtic, with an admixture of Norse （挪威人），French, Norman and English. Historically, Ireland has been free of ethnic conflicts because of its racial homogeneity（同种）2.Ireland has four unusual demographic features: 1） a low birthrate compounded by a century of emigration; 2） a late marriage age; 3） an excess of males in the population; 4） a high proportion of bachelors and spinsters of all ages. Together they have reduced Ireland’s population by one-halfduring the past 100 years.3.Ireland is uniqueamong European countries for