Ireland/Society

Society in Ireland

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
5.3M(2023)
Population Growth
2.7%(2023)
Fertility Rate
1.50(2023)
Death Rate
6.6 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
+39.1K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
82.9 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
3.8 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
4 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure (as share of GDP)
6.1%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

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Primary Enrollment
95.8%(2017)
Secondary Enrollment
133.2%(2022)
Tertiary Enrollment
76.6(2022)
Education Expenditure (as share of GDP)
3%(2021)

Living Standards & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
96.5%(2023)
Access to Electricity
100%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
96%(2022)
Urban Population
3.4M(2023)
Rural Population
1.9M(2023)

Current Snapshot Overview

A summary of key social and demographic indicators for Ireland

  • Ireland has an estimated population of 5.3M
    2023
    The nation is experiencing rapid demographic expansion with an annual growth rate of 2.7%
    2023
    , indicative of a dynamic and youthful population structure and potential for a significant demographic dividend. The critically low fertility rate of 1.5 births per woman
    2023
    presents severe demographic challenges, including accelerated population aging and contraction, impacting economic and social systems. Significant positive net migration of approximately 39K individuals annually (or 7.4 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    provides vital demographic rejuvenation and helps address labor market needs, contributing to economic dynamism.
  • Regarding public health, a life expectancy of 82.9 years
    2023
    demonstrates exceptional health outcomes in the nation, positioning it among the world's healthiest populations. Concurrently, healthcare system effectiveness is further validated by favorable maternal and child health outcomes, reflected in a child mortality rate (under 5 years) of 3.8 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and a maternal mortality rate of 4 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    . These outcomes are supported by a moderate commitment to health system development, with 6.1% of GDP directed to healthcare expenditure
    2022
    .
  • the educational pipeline demonstrates high efficiency with 96% primary enrollment
    2017
    and 133% secondary participation
    2022
    , ensuring comprehensive skill development and a prepared workforce. This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 3.0% of GDP
    2021
    , which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 64% urban population
    2023
    , supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, infrastructure modernization is highly advanced, with near-universal electricity access and high digital connectivity (97% internet penetration
    2023
    ), strategically positioning the country for robust participation in the global digital economy.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

Immigration is a key factor in stabilizing the population and offsetting low native birth rates, supporting economic continuity.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

Educational attainment is a direct driver of economic innovation and global competitiveness. Investment in education is key to unlocking human potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.