Country Profile: Ireland

Ireland, a parliamentary republic located in Western Europe, occupies most of the island of Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean. Its population is currently estimated at over 5.2 million, making it one of the youngest demographic profiles in the EU due to a high birthrate. The economy is characterized as high-income and export-oriented, with significant contributions from multinational corporations, particularly in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors. Governed under a legal system modeled on common law, Ireland has a vibrant political landscape shaped by historical divisions and contemporary challenges.

Geography

Ireland is situated in the North Atlantic, west of Great Britain, and covers an area of approximately 70,273 square kilometers, which is slightly larger than the state of West Virginia. The terrain is primarily flat to rolling, bordered by rugged hills and sea cliffs along the west coast. The climate is temperate maritime, resulting in mild winters and cool summers, while overcast conditions are common.

Total Area: 70,273 sq km
Coastline: 1,448 km
Highest Point: Carrauntoohil at 1,041 m
Agricultural Land: 60.8% (2023 est.)
Population Distribution: Heavily concentrated in Dublin and eastern regions

People and Society

As of 2024, Ireland's population is estimated to be around 5.2 million, with a majority of Irish ethnicity (76.6%) and a significant portion identifying as Roman Catholic (69.2%). The median age is approximately 40.5 years, and urban areas account for 64.5% of the population. Irish and English are the official languages, with Irish being spoken by about 37.7% of the population.

Population: 5,233,461 (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy: 82 years (2024 est.)
Urban Population: 64.5% (2023)
Birth Rate: 10.95 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate: 3.2 deaths per 1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Economy

Ireland boasts a high-income, export-driven economy, with a real GDP of approximately $620.5 billion (2024 est.). The country has experienced rapid growth periods, notably during the Celtic Tiger years, but also faces challenges like skill shortages in the labor market and economic volatility. The economy relies heavily on multinational corporations, particularly in technology and pharmaceuticals.

GDP: $620.544 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per Capita: $115,300 (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 4.4% (2024 est.)
Exports: $761.876 billion (2023 est.)
Imports: $580.399 billion (2023 est.)

Government

Ireland operates as a parliamentary republic with a bicameral legislature. The President serves as chief of state, currently Catherine Connolly, while the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Michael Martin, heads the government. The political landscape is shaped by historical events, including the partition of Ireland and the subsequent civil war.

Capital: Dublin
Executive Branch: President and Taoiseach
Legislature: Parliament (Oireachtas)
Independence: 6 December 1921
Political Parties: Major parties include Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Sinn Féin

Military and Security

The Irish Defense Forces consist of the Army, Air Corps, and Naval Service, with around 7,500 active personnel. Ireland maintains a policy of military neutrality and does not belong to NATO but engages in peacekeeping missions through the EU and the UN.

Military Expenditures: 0.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active Personnel: Approximately 7,500 (2025)
Military Age: 18-38 (voluntary service)
UN Missions: Troops deployed in Lebanon and other peacekeeping efforts

Energy

Ireland has achieved 100% electrification for its population and relies on a mix of energy sources, with fossil fuels making up the largest share of installed capacity. The country's energy consumption per capita is approximately 113.8 million BTU.

Electricity Consumption: 32.282 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Fossil Fuels Share: 55.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind Energy Share: 37% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Environment

Ireland faces environmental challenges, including water pollution from agricultural runoff and deforestation. The country participates in numerous international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

Forest Cover: 11.9% (2023 est.)
Municipal Solid Waste Recycled: 42.4% (2022 est.)
Total Renewable Water Resources: 52 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Transportation

Ireland has a comprehensive transportation network, including 100 airports and substantial railway infrastructure. The civil aircraft registration code is EI, and the country boasts an operational merchant marine fleet.

Total Railways: 1,688 km (2020)
Civil Airports: 100 (2025)
Merchant Marine Fleet: 94 vessels (2023)

Communications

Communications infrastructure in Ireland is advanced, with a high percentage of the population using the internet and mobile subscriptions. The national broadcaster operates a number of television and radio stations.

Internet Users: 97% of population (2023 est.)
Mobile Subscriptions: 5.76 million (2023 est.)
Fixed-line Subscriptions: 1.176 million (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,233,461	2024 estimate
Area	70,273 sq km	Total area
GDP	$620.544 billion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	113.837 million BTU/person	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	10.95 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	82 years	2024 estimate
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	35.486 million metric tonnes (2023)	Total emissions
Forest Cover	11.9%	2023 estimate
Electric Consumption	32.282 billion kWh	2023 estimate