Country Profile: Ireland

Ireland, located in Western Europe, occupies five-sixths of the island in the North Atlantic Ocean. With a population of over 5 million, the country boasts one of the youngest demographics in the EU due to high birth rates and migration. The economy is characterized as a high-income, export-oriented entity, heavily relying on foreign direct investment, particularly from US multinationals. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Ireland has a history marked by colonial struggles, a civil war, and more recently, a commitment to peace following the Troubles.

Geography

Ireland is situated in the North Atlantic, west of Great Britain, covering an area of 70,273 sq km. The island features a temperate maritime climate, with a terrain that combines flat interior plains and rugged coastal hills. The eastern side, particularly around Dublin, is more densely populated due to better transport routes and land quality.

1,448 km of coastline
68,883 sq km of land area
60.8% of land used for agriculture (2023)
Highest point: 1,041 m (Carrauntoohil)
490 km land border with the UK

People and Society

Ireland has a population of approximately 5.2 million people as of 2024, with a notable urban population of 64.5%. The country is primarily ethnically Irish (76.6%) and has two official languages: English and Irish. The median age is 40.5 years, reflecting a relatively young population.

82 years life expectancy at birth
10.95 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
4.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
2.9 physicians per 1,000 population
14% of the population living below the poverty line (2021 est.)

Economy

Ireland's economy is high-income and heavily export-oriented, with a Real GDP of $620.544 billion expected in 2024. The country has a diverse industrial base led by pharmaceuticals, technology, and agriculture. However, it faces challenges such as skill shortages and the need for sustainable practices.

Real GDP per capita: $115,300 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 4.4% (2024 est.)
135.1% of GDP from exports (2023 est.)
Agricultural sector contributes 1.1% to GDP (2024 est.)
61.8% of GDP from the services sector (2024 est.)

Government

Ireland operates as a parliamentary republic, with a bicameral legislature and a president elected for a term of seven years. The government focuses on promoting social equity and economic growth while maintaining a neutral foreign policy.

Capital: Dublin
Current President: Catherine Connolly (since November 2025)
Next expected election: November 2025
18 years is the voting age for universal suffrage
Constitution adopted: 1 July 1937

Military and Security

Ireland maintains a policy of military neutrality, with the Irish Defense Forces composed of the Army, Air Corps, and Naval Service. The country contributes personnel to international peacekeeping missions while focusing on internal security through its national police force.

Military expenditures: 0.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active-duty Defense Forces: 7,500 (authorized establishment of 9,500)
330 personnel deployed in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
Military service age: 18-38 years
7.5% of military personnel are women

Energy

The energy sector in Ireland has made significant strides, achieving 100% electrification. The country relies on a mix of energy sources, with a notable emphasis on wind energy, contributing to its renewable energy targets.

Total energy consumption per capita: 113.837 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation from wind: 37% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas consumption: 4.919 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven coal reserves: 40 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Installed electricity generating capacity: 12.321 million kW (2023 est.)

Environment

Ireland faces several environmental challenges, including water pollution and deforestation. The government actively participates in international environmental agreements aimed at biodiversity and climate change mitigation.

60.8% of land is agricultural (2023 est.)
Municipal solid waste generated: 2.911 million tons (2024 est.)
42.4% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal for municipal use: 1.106 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
35.486 million metric tons of CO2 emissions (2023 est.)

Transportation

Ireland has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including a mix of air and maritime services. The country operates numerous airports and has an extensive rail network, facilitating both domestic and international travel.

Total airports: 100 (2025)
Railways: 1,688 km (2020)
Merchant marine strength: 94 vessels (2023)
Total ports: 21 (2024)
10 heliports (2025)

Communications

Ireland boasts a high level of internet access, with 97% of the population being internet users. Its telecommunications infrastructure supports a thriving digital economy.

Fixed-line phone subscriptions: 1.176 million (2023)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 5.76 million (2023)
Broadband fixed subscriptions: 1.65 million (2023)
23 fixed line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023)
Internet country code: .ie

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,233,461 (2024 est.)
Area	70,273 sq km
GDP	$620.544 billion (2024)	Real GDP (PPP)
Unemployment Rate	4.4% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	82 years (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	10.95 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Total Energy Consumption	113.837 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	0.2% of GDP (2024)
Total Ports	21 (2024)
Urban Population	64.5% (2023)