Ireland
Ireland is a high-income parliamentary republic in Northern Europe known for its rapid demographic and economic expansion. Current estimates show a population of approximately 5.6 million people and a GDP per capita of 118,841 USD. The nation is characterized by its strategic position as a global technology and financial hub within the European Union.
Where is Ireland?
Ireland
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Ireland
- Coordinates
- 53.00°, -8.00°
Population Details
- Population
- 5.6M
- Area
- 70,273 km²
- Density per km²
- 79 / km²
- Growth rate
- +1.57%
- Annual growth
- +87.6K people
- Daily growth
- +240.03 people
- World population share
- 0.07%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Ireland
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Dublin
- Region
- Europe
- Area
- 70,273 km²
- Languages
- English, Irish
- Currency
- euro (€)
- Timezones
- UTC
- UN Member
- Yes
Neighboring Countries
Economy
Ireland has established itself as a knowledge-based economy with a GDP per capita that ranks 5th globally and 1st in Northern Europe. Recent data indicates an annual GDP growth rate of 2.6% and a stable unemployment rate of 4.6%, which the latest ranking places 109th globally. The economic landscape is dominated by the technology, pharmaceutical, and financial services sectors, largely driven by significant foreign direct investment. The country holds the 24th global rank for total nominal GDP, which totals approximately 609.16 billion USD.
Society
The social fabric of the nation is marked by high levels of education and digital integration, with 97.2% of the population being internet users, a figure that ranks 18th globally. Life expectancy at birth is approximately 83.0 years, which the latest ranking places 23rd in the world. While the fertility rate is 1.47 births per woman, the population continues to expand due to an annual growth rate of 1.6%. Approximately 64.3% of residents live in urban areas, with Dublin serving as the primary cultural and economic center.
Climate & Environment
Ireland experiences a temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Atlantic Current, resulting in mild temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Average winter temperatures stay around 5 °C (41 °F) to 8 °C (46 °F), while summers typically range from 15 °C (59 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F). Frequent rainfall occurs across the island, especially in western regions, sustaining the lush green landscapes and extensive peatlands.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- parliamentary republic
- Independence
- 1921-12-06 (United Kingdom)
Ireland is a parliamentary republic with a system of government based on the Constitution of Ireland. The President serves as the ceremonial head of state and is elected directly by the public for a seven-year term. Executive authority is exercised by the government, which is headed by the Taoiseach (Prime Minister). The Taoiseach is nominated by the Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas (Parliament), and appointed by the President. The legislature is bicameral, consisting of the Dáil Éireann, whose members are elected through a system of proportional representation, and the Seanad Éireann (Senate). The judicial branch is independent of the executive and legislature, with the Supreme Court serving as the highest authority. Ireland maintains a long-standing policy of military neutrality, which is reflected in a military expenditure of 0.239096332495524% of GDP. The nation is also a committed member of the European Union and the United Nations.
History
Ireland's history is a complex narrative of ancient Celtic culture, Viking and Norman invasions, and centuries of English and later British rule. Following the Acts of Union in 1801, Ireland became part of the United Kingdom, a period marked by political struggle and the devastating Great Famine in the 1840s which led to massive population loss. Nationalist sentiment peaked in the early 20th century, leading to the 1916 Easter Rising and the subsequent War of Independence. Ireland achieved independence from the United Kingdom on 6 December 1921, resulting in the partition of the island and the creation of the Irish Free State, which later became a republic. The late 20th century brought significant social change and the Troubles in Northern Ireland, eventually addressed by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Economic modernization accelerated after Ireland joined the European Economic Community in 1973, transforming the nation from an agrarian society into a high-tech global economy. Today, Ireland maintains one of the world's highest standards of living, with a life expectancy at birth of 83.009756097561 years and a stable parliamentary democracy.
Notable Facts
- Carrauntoohil is the highest point in Ireland, rising to an elevation of 1,041 m (3,415 ft) in County Kerry.
- The country has an extensive coastline stretching 1,448 km (900 mi), which includes the famous cliffs and rugged bays of the Wild Atlantic Way.
- While English is the most widely spoken language, Irish is the first official language and remains the primary community tongue in regions known as Gaeltachtaí.
- Ireland shares its only land border with the United Kingdom, which borders the six counties of Northern Europe to the north.
- Approximately 64.3470379255585% of the population resides in urban areas, with the capital city, Dublin, acting as the primary economic and cultural center.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Carrauntoohil (1,041 m)
- Lowest Point
- Atlantic Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 1,448 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in IrelandExplore weather and climate data for cities in Ireland
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Dublin
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C / 4°C | 5°C / 0°C | 11days (65 mm) Wet | 4.5h Fair | 87% Very Muggy | Poor | View Details |
| February | 10°C / 5°C | 6°C / 1°C | 14days (78 mm) Wet | 5.5h Fair | 84% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| March | 11°C / 6°C | 7°C / 2°C | 13days (64 mm) Wet | 7.8h Good | 82% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| April | 13°C / 7°C | 10°C / 3°C | 12days (68 mm) Wet | 10.1h Excellent | 79% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| May best | 16°C / 9°C | 14°C / 7°C | 12days (65 mm) Wet | 11.7h Excellent | 79% Humid | Good | View Details |
| June best | 18°C / 12°C | 17°C / 10°C | 13days (68 mm) Wet | 11.4h Excellent | 79% Humid | Good | View Details |
| July best | 19°C / 14°C | 19°C / 12°C | 16days (92 mm) Wet | 10h Excellent | 81% Humid | Good | View Details |
| August best | 19°C / 14°C | 19°C / 12°C | 12days (77 mm) Wet | 9.8h Good | 82% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| September best | 17°C / 12°C | 16°C / 10°C | 14days (96 mm) Wet | 8.5h Good | 84% Humid | Good | View Details |
| October | 15°C / 10°C | 12°C / 7°C | 16days (102 mm) Wet | 6.4h Fair | 85% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| November | 11°C / 7°C | 9°C / 4°C | 12days (73 mm) Wet | 4.5h Fair | 87% Very Muggy | Fair | View Details |
| December | 9°C / 6°C | 6°C / 2°C | 13days (84 mm) Wet | 3.8h Poor | 87% Very Muggy | Poor | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 8°C / 4°C . Feb: 10°C / 5°C . Mar: 11°C / 6°C . Apr: 13°C / 7°C . May: 16°C / 9°C . Jun: 18°C / 12°C . Jul: 19°C / 14°C . Aug: 19°C / 14°C . Sep: 17°C / 12°C . Oct: 15°C / 10°C . Nov: 11°C / 7°C . Dec: 9°C / 6°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 65 mm. Feb: 78 mm. Mar: 64 mm. Apr: 68 mm. May: 65 mm. Jun: 68 mm. Jul: 92 mm. Aug: 77 mm. Sep: 96 mm. Oct: 102 mm. Nov: 73 mm. Dec: 84 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Ireland is approximately 5.6M (2024).
The capital of Ireland is Dublin.
Ireland's GDP per capita is $118.8K (2024).
Life expectancy in Ireland is 83.01 years (2024).
Ireland covers 70,273 km² (27,133 sq mi).
Ireland has a moderate population density of 79 people per km², close to the global average of 60.
Ireland's population is growing rapidly at 1.6% per year — among the fastest in the world.
Yes — based on GDP per capita, Ireland falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $118.8K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Ireland reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.
Ireland has 2 official languages: English, Irish.
Ireland uses the euro (€) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Ireland are May, June, July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.
Current estimates show the population of Ireland is approximately 5.6 million people. This reflects a steady annual growth rate of 1.6%, which is driven by both natural increase and significant international migration. The latest ranking places Ireland 120th globally in terms of total population size.
Ireland is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, with a GDP per capita of 118,841 USD. This places the country 5th globally and 1st in Northern Europe for GDP per capita according to the latest ranking. The economy is supported by a 2.6% annual growth rate.
The unemployment rate in Ireland is approximately 4.6%. This latest ranking for unemployment places the country 109th globally, reflecting a robust labor market. Most employment is concentrated in the services sector, particularly in technology and financial services, which attract talent from across the European Union.
Digital connectivity is extremely high in Ireland, where 97.2% of the population are internet users. This figure ranks 18th globally, showcasing the nation's advanced digital infrastructure and its status as a leading technology hub in Europe. High-speed broadband access is widespread in both urban and rural areas.
The population density in Ireland is approximately 80.8 people per km² (209.3 people per sq mi). This density has increased steadily due to an annual growth rate of 1.6%. While urban centers like Dublin are more crowded, the overall density remains moderate compared to other European nations.
Ireland is currently ranked 120 of 215 countries globally in terms of population. Within its region, it holds the rank of 26 of 47 in Europe and 6 of 12 in Northern Europe. This placement confirms Ireland's status as a mid-sized nation that is growing faster than many regional peers.
The current estimated 2026 population density for Ireland is 80.8 people per km² (209 per sq mi). This is based on a land area of 70,273 km² (27,132 sq mi). The latest official ranking places Ireland 126 of 215 countries for density, which remains relatively low compared to many Central European nations.
The latest official 2024 fertility rate in Ireland is 1.47 births per woman. This ranks Ireland 157 of 215 countries globally. While this rate is below the replacement level of 2.1, Ireland's population continues to grow due to significant inward migration and high life expectancy, which is currently 83.0 years.
Recent data shows that 64.3% of the Irish population resides in urban areas, ranking the country 107 of 215 globally for urbanization. Most urban residents live in the Greater Dublin Area, which remains the primary economic and demographic driver of the country, though other regional cities are also expanding.
All Indicators
Explore Ireland's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
Education
Environment
Military & Security
Infrastructure
Geography
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