Country Profile: Ireland

Ireland is a parliamentary republic located in Western Europe, occupying most of the island of Ireland. The country has a population of over 5.2 million, characterized by a youthful demographic, significantly shaped by historical events ranging from ancient Celtic settlements to modern economic developments. Ireland boasts a high-income, export-oriented economy driven largely by multinational businesses, particularly in technology and pharmaceuticals. The governance system emphasizes democracy and neutrality, with a history of political struggles that have shaped its national identity.

Geography

Ireland is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain, and covers an area of approximately 70,273 sq km, making it slightly larger than West Virginia. The country features mostly flat to rolling interior plains surrounded by rugged coastal terrain and its climate is temperate maritime, influenced by the North Atlantic Current. Dublin, the capital, is the most populated area, with over 40% of the population residing within 100 km of the city.

Coastline: 1,448 km
Highest Point: Carrauntoohil at 1,041 m
Land use: 60.8% agricultural land (2023)
Population density: Heavily concentrated in the east due to mountainous terrain in the west
Climate: Mild winters and cool summers with consistent humidity

People and Society

Ireland has a population of approximately 5.2 million people, with a majority identifying as Irish (76.6%). The country is predominantly Roman Catholic (69.2%), and the official languages are English and Irish (Gaelic). The median age of the population is around 40.5 years, reflecting a relatively young demographic overall, with a birth rate of 10.95 births per 1,000 and a life expectancy of 82 years.

Urban population: 64.5% (2023)
Infant mortality rate: 3.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025)
Total fertility rate: 1.72 children born/woman (2025)
Physician density: 3.88 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Obesity prevalence: 25.3% among adults (2016)

Economy

Ireland has a high-income, export-oriented economy marked by significant contributions from multinational corporations, particularly in technology and pharmaceuticals. The economy faced major challenges with the banking crisis in 2008 but has since rebounded, showcasing growth rates such as 8.6% in 2022. The GDP for 2024 is estimated to be $620.544 billion, with a GDP per capita of approximately $115,300.

GDP growth rate: 1.2% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 4.4% (2024 est.)
Exports: Approximately $761.876 billion (2023 est.)
Imports: Approximately $580.399 billion (2023 est.)
Public debt: 45.4% of GDP (2022 est.)

Government

Ireland operates as a parliamentary republic with a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives (Dáil Éireann) and the Senate (Seanad Éireann). The President serves as the head of state, while the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) is the head of government. The country has a robust electoral system with universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and above.

Capital: Dublin
Legislature: Bicameral Parliament (Oireachtas)
Judicial System: Common law system influenced by English law
Independence: 6 December 1921 from the UK
National holiday: Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March

Military and Security

Ireland maintains a policy of military neutrality, with approximately 7,500 active military personnel. The Irish Defense Forces include the Army, Air Corps, and Naval Service. The country participates in international peacekeeping efforts but does not belong to NATO.

Military expenditures: 0.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military service age: 18-38 years for voluntary service
Military deployments: Approximately 330 troops in UN missions (2025)
National police force: An Garda Síochána
Participation in peacekeeping: Active since the 1950s

Energy

Ireland has achieved full electricity access for its population and relies on renewable sources, with 37% of its electricity generation coming from wind. The country emphasizes sustainability but also utilizes fossil fuels to meet energy demands.

Installed electricity capacity: 12.321 million kW (2023 est.)
Total energy consumption per capita: 113.837 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity exports: 441.615 million kWh (2023 est.)
Natural gas consumption: 4.919 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Petroleum consumption: 159,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)

Environment

Ireland faces environmental challenges, including water pollution and deforestation. The nation is committed to various international environmental agreements aimed at promoting sustainability and protecting biodiversity.

Water withdrawal: 1.106 billion cubic meters for municipal use (2022 est.)
Urban population: 64.5% (2023)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 35.486 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Recycling rate: 42.4% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 52 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Transportation

Ireland has a comprehensive transportation network that includes roads, rail, and ports. The country boasts 100 airports as of 2025, enhancing its connectivity to both domestic and international destinations.

Railways: 1,688 km (2020), with 53 km electrified
Ports: 21 total ports, including key ones like Dublin and Cork
Airports: 100 (2025)
Merchant marine: 94 vessels (2023)
Heliports: 10 (2025)

Communications

Ireland boasts a high level of communication infrastructure, with a significant percentage of the population using the internet. The country has several telecommunications providers and a publicly owned broadcaster.

Internet users: 97% of the population (2023 est.)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 5.76 million (2023 est.)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 1.176 million (2023 est.)
Broadband fixed subscriptions: 1.65 million (2023 est.)
Broadcast media: Includes publicly owned RTE and numerous commercial stations

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,233,461 (2024 est.)
Area	70,273 sq km
GDP	$620.544 billion (2024)	Purchasing power parity
Unemployment Rate	4.4% (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate	2.1% (2024 est.)	Consumer prices
Birth Rate	10.95 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	82 years (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	0.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	1.72 children/woman (2025 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	35.486 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)