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Question

Difficulty: MediumStatus of the Republic of Ireland

The island of Ireland is divided into two distinct political entities. While Northern Ireland is one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom, what is the official political status of the Republic of Ireland?

  1. It is a completely independent countryAnswer
  2. B
    It is a constituent country of the United Kingdom
  3. C
    It is a self-governing Crown Dependency
  4. D
    It is geographically part of Great Britain

Answer

The Republic of Ireland is a completely independent country.
The Republic of Ireland is a sovereign, independent nation. Although it shares the island of Ireland with Northern Ireland (which is part of the UK) and is part of the geographic 'British Isles', it is politically separate from the United Kingdom.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Distinguish between the geographic island and political borders.
The island of Ireland contains two political entities: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Geographic terms like 'Ireland' can refer to the whole island, but political status differs between the north and south.
2
Identify the status of Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.
This establishes the contrast with the rest of the island.
3
Determine the status of the Republic of Ireland.
The Republic of Ireland is a sovereign, independent state.
Official Life in the UK materials emphasize that the Republic of Ireland is not part of the UK or Great Britain.

Key Concept

Sovereignty of the Republic of Ireland

Practice More

Review the difference between the 'British Isles' (geographic) and the 'United Kingdom' (political).
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Status of the Republic of Ireland

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