Ireland

American firms have about $2 trillion in overseas accounts — money they could be using to hire workers and pay dividends in the U.S. The president wants to encourage them to bring that money home.

The Celtic knot — a pattern of interlocking lines — is centuries old, carved into ancient stones all over Ireland. But that tattoo on your biceps? Like the fortune cookie, American born and bred.

Salena Godden grew up in 1970s England with a Jamaican mom and an absent Irish dad. In her memoir, Springfield Road, she looks back on her struggle to find her personal identity.

U.S. and European officials are angry about Irish rules that let some firms pay just 2 percent in corporate taxes. Ireland announced some tax code changes, but few think they will change things much.

Google, Apple and other industry leaders have global headquarters in Ireland. But the U.S. Congress and others aren't happy, and the Irish are reconsidering some of these business-friendly tax laws.

Ireland has made a concerted effort to grow its tech industry, through tax incentives and development programs. Officials credit the initiative with helping uplift the country's economy. But the country has also faces local and international criticism for its approach.