CapitalDublin
Population5,233,461
Area70,273 km²
GDP per capita$115,300
LanguagesEnglish , Irish
Currencyeuros
Life Expectancy82.0 yr
Governmentparliamentary republic
Introduction
Background
Celtic groups first settled in Ireland between 600 and 150 B.C. The Norse invasions commenced in the late 8th century and concluded with King Brian BORU's victory over the Danes in 1014. In the 12th century, Norman invasions initiated over seven centuries of conflict between Anglo and Irish interests, characterized by intense uprisings and severe repression. The mid-19th century Irish famine resulted in a nearly 25-percent reduction in the island's population due to starvation, disease, and emigration. The population continued to decline until the 1960s, but in the last half-century, Ireland's elevated birthrate has rendered it one of the youngest demographics within the EU.
The contemporary Irish state can trace its roots back to the unsuccessful Easter Monday Uprising in 1916, which stirred nationalist fervor. The subsequent guerrilla warfare culminated in independence from the UK in 1921 with the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, leading to the establishment of the Irish Free State. This treaty sparked considerable controversy in Ireland, partly due to its role in entrenching the partition of the country, with six out of the 32 counties remaining under UK governance as Northern Ireland. The division between supporters and opponents of the treaty resulted in the Irish Civil War (1922-23). The historically leading political parties in Ireland, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, are essentially the successors of the opposing factions from the treaty discussions. In 1949, Ireland proclaimed itself a republic and formally exited the British Dominion.
Starting in the 1960s, deep-rooted sectarian divisions between Catholic and Protestant groups, alongside systemic discrimination in Northern Ireland, erupted into a prolonged period of violence known as the Troubles. In 1998, the governments of Ireland and the UK, along with most political factions in Northern Ireland, achieved the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement with assistance from the US. This accord was instrumental in bringing an end to the Troubles and fostering a new era of collaboration between the Irish and British governments.
During World War II, Ireland maintained a stance of neutrality and has upheld this policy of military non-alignment ever since. Ireland became a member of the European Community in 1973 and joined the euro-zone currency union in 1999. The economic boom period known as the Celtic Tiger (1995-2007) was marked by significant economic expansion, which abruptly ceased in 2008 due to the collapse of the Irish banking sector. As a small, open economy, Ireland has successfully attracted foreign direct investment, particularly from US multinational corporations, aiding its recovery from the financial crisis and providing some insulation against the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Geography
Area
land
68,883 sq km
water
1,390 sq km
total
70,273 sq km
Climate
The climate is temperate maritime, influenced by the North Atlantic Current, characterized by mild winters and cool summers; it is consistently humid and experiences overcast conditions approximately half the time.
Terrain
The geography consists of a predominantly flat to gently rolling interior plain, encircled by rugged hills and low mountains, with sea cliffs located along the western coastline.
Land use
other
27.3% (2023 est.)
forest
11.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
60.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 6.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 54.4% (2023 est.)
Location
Situated in Western Europe, it covers five-sixths of the island of Ireland, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, to the west of Great Britain.
Coastline
1,448 km
Elevation
lowest point
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point
Carrauntoohil 1,041 m
mean elevation
118 m
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Map references
Europe
Land boundaries
total
490 km
border countries
UK 499 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea
12 nm
exclusive fishing zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
Occurrences of extreme weather events are rare.
Geography - note
It holds a strategic position on significant air and sea routes linking North America with northern Europe; more than 40% of the populace lives within 100 kilometers of Dublin.
Natural resources
The natural resources include natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite, gypsum, limestone, and dolomite.
Area - comparative
The area is slightly greater in size than West Virginia.
Geographic coordinates
53 00 N, 8 00 W
Population distribution
The population is predominantly concentrated in the eastern region of the island, particularly in and around Dublin, while the western areas have smaller populations due to the presence of mountainous terrain, inferior soil quality, and limited transportation networks.
People & Society
Languages
English (official, the predominant language), Irish (Gaelic or Gaeilge) (official, utilized by roughly 37.7% of the populace)
Religions
Roman Catholic 69.2% (includes lapsed), Protestant 3.7% (Church of Ireland/England/Anglican/Episcopalian 2.5%, other Protestant 1.2%), Orthodox 2%, other Christian 0.9%, Muslim 1.6%, other 1.4%, agnostic/atheist 0.1%, none 14.5%, unspecified 6.7% (2022 est.)
Sex ratio
at birth
1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years
0.98 male(s)/female
total population
0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.89 male(s)/female
Birth rate
10.95 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
7.43 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
39.7 years
total
40.5 years (2025 est.)
female
40.6 years
Population
male
2,590,542
total
5,233,461 (2024 est.)
female
2,642,919
Nationality
noun
Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collective plural)
adjective
Irish
Tobacco use
male
19.2% (2025 est.)
total
16.8% (2025 est.)
female
14.4% (2025 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
64.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
1.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years
18.6% (male 498,124/female 477,848)
15-64 years
65.5% (male 1,701,680/female 1,728,041)
65 years and over
15.8% (2024 est.) (male 390,738/female 437,030)
Ethnic groups
Irish 76.6%, Irish travelers 0.6%, other White 9.9%, Asian 3.3%, Black 1.5%, other (comprising Arab, Roma, and individuals of mixed heritage) 2%, unspecified 2.6% (2022 est.)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
52.6 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio
28.5 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio
4.1 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
24.1 (2024 est.)
Physician density
3.88 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
6.1% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
22.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Net migration rate
4.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Hospital bed density
2.9 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.72 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: rural
rural: 97% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 96% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 95.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 4.6% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
2.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
12.3% national budget (2021 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
3.2 deaths/1,000 live births
total
3.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
3.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
0.8% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.83 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the population distribution is primarily concentrated on the eastern part of the island, with the highest density found in and around Dublin; the western regions have smaller populations due to mountainous terrain, inferior soil quality, and limited transportation options
Life expectancy at birth
male
80.3 years
female
83.9 years
total population
82 years (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: rural
rural: 98.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 96.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 94.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 1.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 3.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 5.2% of population (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
beer
4.92 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine
2.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
total
10.91 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits
2.29 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols
0.82 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.270 million DUBLIN (capital) (2023)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
25.3% (2016)
Mother's mean age at first birth
30.9 years (2020 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
47.1% (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
male
19 years (2022 est.)
total
19 years (2022 est.)
female
20 years (2022 est.)
Environment
Climate
maritime temperate; influenced by the North Atlantic Current; winters are mild, summers are cool; humidity is consistently high; approximately fifty percent of the time is overcast
Geoparks
global geoparks and regional networks
Burren & Cliffs of Moher; Copper Coast; Marble Arch Caves (includes the United Kingdom) (2023)
total global geoparks and regional networks
3
Land use
other
27.3% (2023 est.)
forest
11.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
60.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 6.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 54.4% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
64.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
1.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
2.911 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled
42.4% (2022 est.)
Environmental issues
contamination of water, particularly in lakes, due to agricultural runoff; deforestation issues, including those caused by acid rain
Total water withdrawal
municipal
1.106 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial
531.82 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural
39.63 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
35.486 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas
9.822 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke
3.029 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids
22.635 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
7.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Total renewable water resources
52 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
International environmental agreements
party to
Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified
Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Conservation of Marine Life
Government
Flag
description: consists of three vertical bands of equal width in green (left), white, and orange
meaning: while the colors of the flag have no official definitions, a prevalent interpretation suggests that green represents the Irish nationalist tradition, orange signifies the Orange tradition (minority supporters of William of Orange), and white symbolizes peace or a permanent truce between the green and orange factions
Capital
name
Dublin
etymology
derived from the Irish terms dubh (meaning black or dark) and linn (meaning pool), which refers to the color of the River Liffey
time difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time
+1hr, commencing last Sunday in March; concluding last Sunday in October
geographic coordinates
53 19 N, 6 14 W
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
citizenship by birth
no, unless one parent of a child born in Ireland has been legally residing in Ireland for a minimum of three out of the four years preceding the child's birth
citizenship by descent only
yes
dual citizenship recognized
yes
residency requirement for naturalization
4 of the previous 8 years
Constitution
history
previously established in 1922; the most recent version was drafted on 14 June 1937, adopted through plebiscite on 1 July 1937, and took effect on 29 December 1937
amendment process
proposals are introduced as bills by Parliament; to pass, they require a majority vote from both the Senate and House of Representatives, a majority in a referendum, and the signature of the president
Country name
etymology
the Irish name Eire is derived from the Gaelic name Eriu, which possibly comes from the Old Celtic iveriu, translating to 'good land;' the English name, Ireland, is a direct rendering
local long form
none
local short form
Eire
conventional long form
none
conventional short form
Ireland
Independence
6 December 1921 (independence from the UK); 6 December 1922 (formation of the Irish Free State); 18 April 1949 (Republic of Ireland Act enacted)
Legal system
common law framework based on the English system but significantly adapted by customary law; the Supreme Court reviews legislative actions
Government type
parliamentary republic
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
Supreme Court of Ireland (comprises the chief justice, nine judges, and two ex-officio members -- the presidents of the High Court and Court of Appeal -- and is organized into panels of 3, 5, or 7 judges based on the significance or complexity of the legal issue)
subordinate courts
High Court, Court of Appeal; circuit and district courts; criminal courts
judge selection and term of office
judges are nominated by the prime minister and Cabinet and are appointed by the president; the chief justice has a term of 7 years; judges may serve until the age of 70
Executive branch
cabinet
Cabinet is nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president, and must receive approval from the Dail Eireann (lower house of Parliament)
chief of state
President Catherine CONNOLLY (since 11 November 2025)
election results
2025: Michael MARTIN is elected taoiseach by parliament with 95 votes to 76, and is appointed taoiseach by the president
2024: Simon HARRIS is elected taoiseach by parliament with 88 votes to 69, and is appointed taoiseach by the president
2018: Michael D. HIGGINS is reelected president in the first round; vote percentages in the first round - Michael D. HIGGINS (independent) 55.8%, Peter CASEY (independent) 23.3%, Sean GALLAGHER (independent) 6.4%, Liadh NI RIADA (Sinn Fein) 6.4%, Joan FREEMAN (independent) 6%, Gavin DUFFY (independent) 2.2%
head of government
Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Michael MARTIN (since 23 January 2025)
most recent election date
26 October 2018
election/appointment process
the president is directly elected by a majority popular vote for a term of 7 years (eligible for one additional term); the taoiseach (prime minister) is nominated by the House of Representatives (Dail Eireann) and appointed by the president
expected date of next election
no later than November 2025
National holiday
Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March
National color(s)
blue, green
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites
2 (both cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales
Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne; Sceilg Mhichíl
Political parties
Aontu
Solidarity-People Before Profit or PBP-S
Fianna Fail
Fine Gael
Green Party
Human Dignity Alliance
Independent Ireland
Labor (Labour) Party
100% Redress
Right to Change or RTC
Sinn Fein
Social Democrats
Socialist Party
The Workers' Party
Legislative branch
legislature name
Parliament (Oireachtas)
legislative structure
bicameral
National anthem(s)
title
"Amhran na bhFiann" (The Soldier's Song)
history
adopted in 1926; the anthem "Ireland's Call" is commonly used at sports events when athletes from Ireland and Northern Ireland compete as a unified team
lyrics/music
Peadar KEARNEY [English], Liam O RINN [Irish]/Patrick HEENEY and Peadar KEARNEY
National symbol(s)
harp, shamrock (trefoil)
National coat of arms
the coat of arms features a golden harp on a blue shield and has origins dating back to the 13th century, although it was officially recognized in 1945; the harp, a national emblem adopted by Ireland following its independence from the United Kingdom in 1921, symbolizes the nation's history, culture, and identity
Administrative divisions
28 counties and 3 cities*; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Cork*, Donegal, Dublin*, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Galway, Galway*, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, South Dublin, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
House of Representatives (Dáil Éireann)
term in office
5 years
number of seats
174 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
1/29/2025 to 1/30/2025
expected date of next election
November 2029
percentage of women in chamber
25.3%
parties elected and seats per party
Fianna Fáil (48); Sinn Féin (39); Fine Gael (38); Social Democratic Party (11); Labour Party (11); Independents (16); Other (11)
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Senate (Seanad Éireann - Senate)
term in office
5 years
number of seats
60 (49 indirectly elected; 11 appointed)
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
11/29/2024
expected date of next election
January 2030
percentage of women in chamber
45%
parties elected and seats per party
Fianna Fail (19); Fine Gael (18); Sinn Fein (6); Independents (12); other (5)
Diplomatic representation in the US
FAX
[1] (202) 232-5993
chancery
2234 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (202) 462-3939
chief of mission
Ambassador Geraldine BYRNE NASON (since 16 September 2022)
consulate(s) general
Atlanta, Austin (TX), Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
email address and website
https://www.ireland.ie/en/usa/washington/
Diplomatic representation from the US
FAX
[353] (1) 688-8056
embassy
42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
telephone
[353] (1) 668-8777
mailing address
5290 Dublin Place, Washington DC 20521-5290
chief of mission
Ambassador Edward S. WALSH (since 1 July 2025)
email address and website
[email protected]
https://ie.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Economy
Budget
revenues
$118.231 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures
$108.693 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2021
$722.655 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022
$763.233 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$761.876 billion (2023 est.)
Imports
Imports 2021
$500.334 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022
$536.882 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$580.399 billion (2023 est.)
Industries
pharmaceuticals, chemicals, computer hardware and software, food products, beverages and brewing; medical devices
Labor force
2.857 million (2024 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2022
45.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2021
0% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022
0.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
0.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
0.876 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
0.924 (2024 est.)
Economic overview
high-income, export-driven EU economy; a substantial multinational business sector boosts growth and tax revenues but introduces volatility risks; high living standards; robust labor market facing challenges due to skill shortages and an aging workforce
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2022
4.6% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023
4.3% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2024
4.4% (2024 est.)
Exports - partners
USA 28%, Germany 11%, UK 8%, Belgium 8%, China 7% (2023)
Imports - partners
UK 20%, USA 17%, France 10%, China 7%, Germany 7% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2022
$124,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$115,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2024
$115,300 (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2022
8.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
-5.5% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2024
1.2% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
milk, barley, beef, wheat, potatoes, pork, oats, chicken, rapeseed, beans (2023)
Exports - commodities
vaccines, packaged medicine, nitrogen compounds, integrated circuits, hormones (2023)
Imports - commodities
aircraft, nitrogen compounds, vaccines, packaged medicine, integrated circuits (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2021
$65.118 billion (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2022
$48.427 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023
$44.744 billion (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
16.8% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$577.389 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
26.8% (2023 est.)
government consumption
12.2% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories
3.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital
23.2% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services
135.1% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services
-102.2% (2023 est.)
Population below poverty line
14% (2021 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food
8.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco
4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
7.8% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
6.3% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
2.1% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
-4.9% (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$648.943 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$613.056 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$620.544 billion (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
male
11.2% (2024 est.)
total
11.1% (2024 est.)
female
11% (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$13.039 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$12.905 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$12.698 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
30.8% (2024 est.)
services
61.8% (2024 est.)
agriculture
1.1% (2024 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%
3.6% (2022 est.)
highest 10%
24.5% (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022
29.9 (2022 est.)
Energy
Coal
exports
76,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports
1.711 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption
1.341 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves
40 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production
600 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption
159,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Electricity
exports
441.615 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports
3.89 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption
32.282 billion kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
12.321 million kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
2.489 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Natural gas
imports
3.707 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
production
1.165 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption
4.919 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves
9.911 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Electricity access
electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023
113.837 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
wind
37% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar
1.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
55.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity
2.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
3.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
97% (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
The publicly owned broadcaster Radio Telefis Eireann (RTE) manages four television channels; there are also commercial television stations accessible; approximately 75% of households subscribe to multi-channel satellite and television services, offering a broad array of channels; RTE runs four national radio stations and has initiated digital audio broadcasting on multiple platforms; several commercial broadcasting stations function at national, regional, and local tiers (2019)
Internet country code
.ie
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
1.176 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
23 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
5.76 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
113 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
1.65 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
32 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
1
small
3
medium
3
key ports
Cobh, Cork, Dublin, Foynes
very small
14
total ports
21 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
8
Airports
100 (2025)
Railways
total
1,688 km (2020) 53 km electrified
Heliports
10 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
94 (2023)
by type
12 bulk carriers, 32 general cargo ships, 1 oil tanker, 49 others
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
EI
Military & Security
Military - note
The Irish Defense Forces (IDF) are tasked with external defense, supporting civil authorities when requested, engaging in multinational peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, and ensuring maritime security. The IDF's roots can be traced to the Irish Volunteers, a group formed in 1913 that participated in the 1916 Easter Rising as well as the Irish War of Independence from 1919 to 1921.
Ireland maintains a long-held policy of military neutrality; nevertheless, it is a signatory of the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy and has pledged a battalion of troops to the EU's Rapid Reaction Force. Although Ireland is not a NATO member, it has had a relationship with the alliance since 1997, when it sent personnel to support the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 1999, Ireland became part of NATO's Partnership for Peace program and has been engaged in UN peacekeeping operations since the 1950s (2025).
Military deployments
330 Lebanon (UNIFIL); additionally, it contributes small contingents of troops to EU, NATO, and various UN missions (2025).
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2020
0.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
0.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
0.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
0.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and security forces
Irish Defense Forces (Oglaigh na h-Eireann): Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, Reserve Defense Forces (2025).
Military service age and obligation
Eligibility for voluntary military service is between 18 and 38 years of age for both men and women (2026).
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The Irish Defense Forces possess a range of imported weapon systems primarily sourced from various European nations (2025).
Military and security service personnel strengths
The active-duty personnel of the Defense Forces number approximately 7,500, with an authorized establishment of 9,500 (2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Continuity Irish Republican Army (CIRA); Real Irish Republican Army (RIRA); Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees
156,441 (2024 est.)
stateless persons
48 (2024 est.)
