Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.77%
Ireland is a Northern Europe country of around 5.46 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 70,273 km², translating to a density of 78 people per km². Its capital is Dublin, and official languages include English and Irish, while the euro serves as the national currency.
Population
5,458,600
Area
70,273 km²
Density
78/km²
World Rank
#121
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. The gap between the birth rate (10.3 per thousand) and death rate (6.6 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The population skews older, with 15.9% aged 65 or above and 18.6% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Dublin
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Northern Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- English, Irish
- Currencies
- euro (€)
- Calling Code
- +353
- Top-Level Domain
- .ie
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC
Population Details
- Total Population
- 5,458,600
- Land Area
- 70,273 km²
- Population Density
- 78 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.77%
- Annual Growth
- +42,031 people
- Daily Growth
- +115 people
- World Population Share
- 0.07%
- Coordinates
- 53.00°, -8.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $113k, Ireland sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 4.6%, below the global average of 5.8%. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 29.0.
Life Expectancy
82.9 years
GDP per Capita
$112,895
Birth Rate
10.3 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.6 per 1,000
Urban Population
64.3%
Fertility Rate
1.50 births/woman
Infant Mortality
3.4 per 1,000
Unemployment
4.6%
Internet Users
96.5%
Under 15
18.6%
Over 65
15.9%
Health Spending
6.8% GDP
Gini Index
29.0
Age Distribution
0-14 years
1.0M
15-64 years
3.6M
65+ years
867K
Urbanization
About 64.3% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Dublin, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net inward migration of 35417.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
3.5M
64.3%
1.9M
35.7%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 82.9 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 3.4 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. Health expenditure accounts for about 6.8% of GDP, shaping the reach and quality of medical services available to the population.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Ireland
Ireland has 3 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Ireland is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.5 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Ireland participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 5,458,600 |
| 2030 | 5,629,165 |
| 2035 | 5,850,916 |
| 2040 | 6,082,438 |
| 2045 | 6,324,044 |
| 2050 | 6,576,072 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Ireland.
Largest Cities in Ireland
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Ireland by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Ireland?
The population of Ireland is approximately 5.5 million as of 2026, making it #121 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Ireland?
The capital of Ireland is Dublin.
What languages are spoken in Ireland?
The main languages spoken in Ireland are English, Irish.
How big is Ireland?
Ireland covers an area of 70,273 km² with a population density of 78 people per km².
Is Ireland growing or shrinking?
Ireland is growing at a rate of 0.77% per year, adding approximately 42,031 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Ireland?
The average life expectancy in Ireland is 82.9 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Ireland?
The GDP per capita of Ireland is $112,895.