Ireland
Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 5
Currency
💱 Euro
Languages
🗣️ English, Irish
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Discover the Emerald Isle, a land of breathtaking natural beauty, ancient history, and vibrant culture. From dramatic coastal cliffs and rolling green hills to charming medieval towns and bustling cities, Ireland offers an unforgettable journey for every traveler. Immerse yourself in traditional music sessions, explore majestic castles, and experience the legendary warmth and hospitality of the Irish people.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Ireland
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Irish
Independence
December 6, 1922 (from the United Kingdom)
Top-Level Domain
.ie
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+353
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Dublin
ISO Alpha-2
IE
ISO Alpha-3
IRL
UN Code
372
Geographic Coordinates
53,-8
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
70,273#121 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
5,525,600#120 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
77.04
Highest Point (m)
1,038 meters (Carrantuohill)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Atlantic Ocean)
Land Use
Agricultural land 68.1%; forest 10.9%
Irrigated Land
Small percentage of agricultural land is irrigated.
Coastline Length
1,448 km
Climate
Temperate maritime; mild, damp winters and cool summers.
Natural Resources
Zinc, lead, natural gas, peat, copper, gypsum, limestone, dolomite
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
United Kingdom
Major Rivers
Shannon River, Liffey River, Boyne River
Major Lakes
Lough Neagh, Lough Derg, Lough Corrib
Government Type
Parliamentary Republic
Administrative Divisions
26 counties
Legal System
Common law
Chief of State
President Michael D. Higgins
Head of Government
Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Simon Harris
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the Taoiseach.
Elections
Elections are held for the Dáil Éireann (parliament) and the President.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court, High Court, Circuit Court, District Court
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Parliament (Oireachtas): Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives) and Seanad Éireann (Senate)
Major Political Parties
Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, Green Party, Labour Party
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Euro
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
721.7#23 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
850.57#40 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
131,592.46#5 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.06
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
37.76
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
56.74
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.21#121 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2,912,741
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.63#108 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Approximately 42% of GDP (2023 estimate).
Budget
The annual budget is determined by the Irish government.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,010.86#8 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
720.92#16 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves can be found through the Central Bank of Ireland.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found at major banks and online financial platforms.
GDP by Sector
Services, Industry, Agriculture.
Major Industries
Pharmaceuticals, technology, food processing, tourism.
Major Export Partners
United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany.
Major Import Partners
United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)
Approximately 99%.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.5
Net Migration Rate
Approximately 5 migrants per 1,000 population.
Median Age
Approximately 38 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
64.59#108 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization is ongoing, but relatively stable.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
83#23 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
The prevalence rate is very low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.85
Ethnic Groups
Irish, other European, and other groups.
Religions
Christianity (primarily Roman Catholic), other religions.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English, Irish
Education
Education System
Offers primary, secondary, and higher education. Primary and secondary are generally free. Higher education includes universities, colleges, and institutes of technology.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
19.8
Government Education Spending
Around 4-5% of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University College Dublin (UCD), Trinity College Dublin (TCD), National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), University of Limerick (UL), Dublin City University (DCU).
Culture
Cultural Overview
Rich history, renowned for literature, music, and storytelling. Strong sense of community and traditional values.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Lá Caille (2026-01-01)
- Lá Fhéile Bríde (2026-02-02)
- Lá Fhéile Pádraig (2026-03-17)
- Aoine an Chéasta (2026-04-03)
- Luan Cásca (2026-04-06)
- Lá Bealtaine (2026-05-04)
- Lá Saoire i mí an Mheithimh (2026-06-01)
- Lá Saoire i mí Lúnasa (2026-08-03)
- Lá Saoire i mí Dheireadh Fómhair (2026-10-26)
- Lá Nollag (2026-12-25)
- Lá Fhéile Stiofáin (2026-12-26)
Popular Music
Traditional Irish music, rock, pop, and contemporary music. Artists include U2, The Cranberries, Hozier.
Traditional Food
Irish stew, colcannon, boxty, soda bread, and seafood.
Sports
Gaelic football, hurling, rugby, soccer, golf, and horse racing are popular.
Major Festivals
St. Patrick's Day Festival, Dublin Film Festival, Galway Arts Festival, and the Rose of Tralee.
Famous People
James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Cillian Murphy, Liam Neeson, Bono, and Sinead O'Connor.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Rock of Cashel, Newgrange.
UNESCO Sites
Brú na Bóinne, Skellig Michael.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions of tourist visits annually.
Tourism Overview
Popular tourist destination with a focus on natural beauty, history, and culture.
Top Tourist Attractions
Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway, Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, Ring of Kerry.
Famous Cities
Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Belfast (Northern Ireland).
National Parks
Six national parks: Connemara, Wicklow Mountains, Killarney, Glenveagh, Ballycroy, and Burren.
Protected Areas
Significant protected areas for conservation.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ireland depends largely on your preferred activities. For pleasant weather suitable for exploring cities like Dublin and Galway, as well as enjoying scenic coastal drives, the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are excellent. Summer (June to August) offers the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, making it ideal for beach activities, hiking in the Wicklow Mountains or Connemara, and enjoying outdoor festivals. Many of Ireland's vibrant festivals, such as the Galway Arts Festival and the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, often take place during the summer months. If you prefer fewer crowds and a more atmospheric experience, visiting during the spring or autumn allows you to enjoy the dramatic landscapes and cozy pubs without the peak season influx. Winter (November to March) can be colder and wetter, but it offers a unique charm, especially around the Christmas holidays, with festive markets and a cozy pub culture.
Tourist Visa Info
Generally, visa-free entry for citizens of many countries. Visa requirements vary.
Visa Requirements Overview
Tourist visa requirements for Ireland vary significantly based on your nationality. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most EU member states, do not require a visa for short stays for tourism purposes. However, citizens of other countries will need to apply for an Irish short-stay visa (also known as a C visa) before traveling. It is essential to check the official Irish immigration website or contact the nearest Irish embassy or consulate in your home country to determine your specific visa obligations. The application process typically involves demonstrating sufficient funds, a clear travel itinerary, and proof of intent to depart Ireland at the end of your visit. Always verify the most up-to-date requirements well in advance of your planned travel.
Travel Advisory
Generally safe, with travel advisories related to specific areas or situations.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Ireland generally has a high-quality healthcare system.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and insurance coverage.
Number of Hospitals
Ireland has numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Universal Healthcare
Publicly funded healthcare system, primarily provided through the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Medical Services Overview
Ireland offers a mix of public and private healthcare services.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available throughout the country.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
112 or 999
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
112 or 999
Emergency Number (Fire)
112 or 999
Crime Rate
Relatively low crime rate compared to many other developed countries.
Safety Index
High safety index.
Military Expenditure
Approximately 0.3% of GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Comprehensive emergency services, including police (Garda Síochána), ambulance, and fire services. Services are generally well-equipped and responsive.
Safety Overview
Ireland is generally a safe country for tourists. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded tourist areas and on public transport, so it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. While most areas are safe, it's always sensible to exercise caution in less populated or poorly lit areas at night, particularly in certain parts of larger cities. Common scams are rare but can include overly friendly individuals attempting to distract you or unsolicited help at ATMs. Always trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it. When driving, be aware of narrow country roads and the convention of driving on the left. Overall, a little common sense and vigilance will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Military Branches
Army, Naval Service, Air Corps.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Universal electricity access.
Water Access
Universal access to improved water sources.
Sanitation Access
Universal access to improved sanitation facilities.
Railways
Operated by Iarnród Éireann, connecting major cities and towns.
Roadways
Well-developed road network, including motorways, national roads, and regional roads.
Transportation System
Well-developed road network, public bus services, rail network, and air travel.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Cork International Airport (ORK), Dublin Airport (DUB), Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), Shannon Airport (SNN), Donegal Airport (CFN), Kerry Airport (KIR)
Ports
Key ports include Dublin, Cork, and Shannon Foynes, handling cargo and passenger traffic.
Public Transit
Public transport includes buses, trains (DART, commuter rail), and the Luas light rail in Dublin. Limited coverage outside major cities.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
97.19#18 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Very high mobile subscriptions.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup ecosystem, particularly in Dublin.
Innovation Index
Strong innovation performance.
ICT Development Index
High ICT Development Index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Several national and local TV stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous national and local radio stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type G, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.04#41 of 202
Air Quality Index
Generally good air quality, with some concerns in urban areas.
Water Pollution Level
Generally good, but localized pollution from agriculture and industry exists.
Renewable Energy Usage
Significant, with strong focus on wind power; increasing solar and hydro.
Environmental Issues
Agriculture runoff, water pollution, air quality in urban areas, climate change impacts.
Natural Hazards
Flooding, storms, occasional landslides.
Waste Management
Developing, with increasing emphasis on recycling and reducing landfill waste.
Environmental Agreements
Party to many international agreements, including Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Extensive diplomatic network globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
EU, Eurozone, OECD
Major Treaties
Numerous treaties related to EU membership, trade, and environmental protection.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens can travel visa-free to a large number of countries.