Total Population: 4,366,193

Annual growth rate: 2.4%

Density: 63 inhabitant/km²

Urban population: 61.1%

Population of main cities including suburbs: Dublin (1,080,000); Cork (188,000); Galway (72,000); Tallaght (64,000); Blanchardstown (63,000).

Ethnic Origins: Irish, with English minority.

Official Language: Irish (Gaelic), spoken as a first language by about 55,000 people (mostly in the west).

Other languages spoken: English. Official documents are printed in both languages.

Business language: English

Religion: Roman Catholic 88.4%; Church of Ireland 3%; Other Christian 1.6%; Other 1.5%; Unspecified 2%; None 3.5%.

Type of State: Ireland is a sovereign, independent, democratic state with a parliamentary system of government. The president, who serves as head of state in a largely ceremonial role, is elected for a 7-year term and can be re-elected only once. There is universal suffrage for those over 18.

Type of economy: High-income economy, OECD member.
A dynamic economy but suffering from a disturbing labor shortage.

HDI*: 0,960/1

HDI (world rank): 5th/177

Telephone code:
To call from Ireland, dial 00
To call in Ireland, dial +353

Internet suffix: .ie

Computers: 58.2 per 100 inhabitants

Telephone lines: 49.6 per 100 inhabitants

Internet users: 63.8 per 100 inhabitants

Access to electricity: 100% of the population