Country Profile: Ireland

Ireland, located in Western Europe, occupies five-sixths of the island of Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain. With a population of over 5.2 million, the country boasts a high-income, export-oriented economy, characterized by a strong presence of multinational corporations. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Ireland has a rich history influenced by centuries of conflict and a recent surge in economic growth. Its landscape features a mix of flat plains and rugged hills, providing a temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Atlantic Current.

Geography

Ireland's geography is primarily characterized by its flat to rolling interior plains, surrounded by rugged hills and sea cliffs along the western coast. The country has a total area of 70,273 sq km, with approximately 68,883 sq km of land and a coastline extending 1,448 km. The climate is temperate maritime, with mild winters and cool summers, making it consistently humid throughout the year. About 40% of the population resides within 100 km of Dublin.

Elevation: Highest point is 1,041 m (Carrauntoohil).
Land use: 63.1% agricultural land (2022 estimate).
Natural resources: Includes natural gas, peat, and various minerals.
Boundaries: Shares a 490 km border with the UK.

People and Society

Ireland's estimated population is 5,233,461 in 2024, with a median age of 40.2 years. The population is predominantly Irish (76.6%), with English as the primary language and Irish as an official language spoken by about 37.7% of the population. The major religion is Roman Catholicism, comprising 69.2% of the population. Urbanization is significant, with 64.5% of the population living in urban areas as of 2023.

Population growth rate: 0.93% (2024).
Life expectancy: 82 years at birth (2024).
Birth rate: 11.1 births/1,000 population (2024).
Net migration rate: 5.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024).

Economy

Ireland's economy is classified as high-income and export-oriented, with a significant contribution from multinational corporations. The real GDP (purchasing power parity) is approximately $620.544 billion in 2024, with a per capita GDP of about $115,300. The economy has shown resilience, recovering from past downturns, and maintains a commitment to foreign direct investment. The unemployment rate is 4.4% as of 2024.

GDP growth rate: 1.2% (2024 est.).
Inflation rate: 2.1% (2024 est.).
Labor force: 2.857 million (2024).
Public debt: 45.4% of GDP (2022).

Government

Ireland operates as a parliamentary republic, with a president as the chief of state and a Taoiseach (prime minister) as the head of government. The capital city is Dublin, with a legal system influenced by common law. The government is made up of a bicameral parliament, which includes the Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives) and the Seanad Éireann (Senate). Citizens can vote at 18 years of age.

Current president: Michael D. Higgins (since November 11, 2011).
Current Taoiseach: Michael Martin (since January 23, 2025).
Next general election: Expected by November 2025.
Political parties: Include Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Sinn Féin.

Military and Security

The Irish Defense Forces comprise the Army, Air Corps, and Naval Service, with approximately 7,500 active-duty personnel. Ireland maintains a policy of military neutrality and is involved in various international peacekeeping missions. Military spending is modest, constituting around 0.2% of GDP in 2024.

Military service age: Open to men and women from 18 years.
Military deployments: Includes 130 personnel in the Golan Heights and 325 in Lebanon (as of 2024).
Active-duty strength: Authorized establishment of 9,500.
Internal security: Managed by An Garda Síochána, the national police force.

Energy

Ireland relies heavily on varied energy sources, with 100% of its population having access to electricity. The electricity generation is primarily derived from fossil fuels (55.7%) and wind energy (37%). The country is making strides towards renewable energy, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices.

Installed electricity capacity: 12.321 million kW (2023).
Electricity consumption: 32.282 billion kWh (2023).
Natural gas consumption: 4.919 billion cubic meters (2023).
Total energy consumption per capita: 113.837 million Btu/person (2023).

Environment

Ireland faces environmental challenges such as water pollution and deforestation, particularly linked to agricultural runoff. The country is a participant in several international environmental agreements aimed at combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.

Agricultural land: 63.1% as of 2022.
Urban population: 64.5% of total population (2023).
Climate: Mild and humid with consistent rainfall.
Total water resources: 52 billion cubic meters (2020).

Transportation

Ireland's transportation infrastructure includes a network of 1,688 km of railways and approximately 100 airports by 2025. The country has a robust maritime sector, with a merchant marine of 94 vessels.

Road transport: Major road networks connecting key cities.
Airports: Facilitate both domestic and international travel.
Ports: Ireland has 21 operational ports.
Civil aircraft registration: Prefix is EI.

Communications

Ireland enjoys high connectivity, with 97% of the population using the internet as of 2023. The telecommunications infrastructure includes significant fixed-line and mobile cellular subscriptions.

Fixed-line subscriptions: 1.176 million (2023).
Mobile subscriptions: 5.76 million (2023).
Broadband subscriptions: 1.65 million (2023).
Telephones per 100 inhabitants: 23 for fixed lines and 113 for mobile.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,233,461	2024 estimate
Area	70,273 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$620.544 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	82 years	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	11.1 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Military Expenditures	0.2% of GDP	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	100%	2022 estimate
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	113.837 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Urban Population	64.5%	2023 estimate