2016 Edition

Background

Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600 and 150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. Norman invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. The Irish famine of the mid-19th century saw the population of the island drop by one third through starvation and emigration. For more than a century after that the population of the island continued to fall only to begin growing again in the 1960s. Over the last 50 years, Ireland's high birthrate has made it demographically one of the youngest populations in the EU. The modern Irish state traces its origins to the failed 1916 Easter Monday Uprising that touched off several years of guerrilla warfare resulting in independence from the UK in 1921 for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the UK. Unresolved issues in Northern Ireland erupted into years of violence known as the "Troubles" that began in the 1960s. The Government of Ireland was part of a process along with the UK and US Governments that helped broker what is known as The Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland in 1998. This initiated a new phase of cooperation between the Irish and British Governments. Ireland was neutral in World War II and continues its policy of military neutrality. Ireland joined the European Community in 1973 and the euro-zone currency union in 1999. The economic boom years of the Celtic Tiger (1995-2007) saw rapid economic growth, which came to an abrupt end in 2008 with the meltdown of the Irish banking system. Today the economy is recovering, fueled by large and growing foreign direct investment, especially from US multi-nationals.

Area

70,273 sq km 68,883 sq km 1,390 sq km

land

68,883 sq km

total

70,273 sq km

water

1,390 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than West Virginia

Climate

temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time

Coastline

1,448 km

Elevation

118 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Carrauntoohil 1,041 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point

Carrauntoohil 1,041 m

mean elevation

118 m

Environment - current issues

water pollution, especially of lakes, from agricultural runoff

Environment - international agreements

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Marine Life Conservation

party to

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Marine Life Conservation

Geographic coordinates

53 00 N, 8 00 W

Geography - note

strategic location on major air and sea routes between North America and northern Europe; over 40% of the population resides within 100 km of Dublin

Irrigated land

0 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

443 km UK 443 km

border countries (1)

UK 443 km

total

443 km

Land use

66.1% arable land 15.4%; permanent crops 0%; permanent pasture 50.7% 10.9% 23% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

66.1%

forest

10.9%

other

23% (2011 est.)

Location

Western Europe, occupying five-sixths of the island of Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm

exclusive fishing zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

NA

Natural resources

natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite

Population - distribution

population distribution is weighted to the eastern side of the island, with the largest agglomeration being in and around Dublin; populations in the west are small due to mountainous land, poorer soil, lack of good transport routes, and fewer job opportunities

Terrain

mostly flat to rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged hills and low mountains; sea cliffs on west coast

Age structure

21.51% (male 544,506/female 520,934) 11.8% (male 297,025/female 287,512) 43.52% (male 1,082,577/female 1,072,721) 10.33% (male 256,353/female 255,155) 12.84% (male 293,577/female 342,113) (2016 est.)

0-14 years

21.51% (male 544,506/female 520,934)

15-24 years

11.8% (male 297,025/female 287,512)

25-54 years

43.52% (male 1,082,577/female 1,072,721)

55-64 years

10.33% (male 256,353/female 255,155)

65 years and over

12.84% (male 293,577/female 342,113) (2016 est.)

Birth rate

14.5 births/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

64.8% percent of women aged 18-49 (2004/05)

note

percent of women aged 18-49 (2004/05)

Death rate

6.5 deaths/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Dependency ratios

53.7% 33.5% 20.2% 5% (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

20.2%

potential support ratio

5% (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

53.7%

youth dependency ratio

33.5%

Drinking water source

urban: 97.9% of population rural: 97.8% of population total: 97.9% of population urban: 2.1% of population rural: 2.2% of population total: 2.1% of population (2015 est.)

rural

2.2% of population

total

2.1% of population (2015 est.)

urban

2.1% of population

Education expenditures

5.8% of GDP (2012)

Ethnic groups

Irish 84.5%, other white 9.8%, Asian 1.9%, black 1.4%, mixed and other 0.9%, unspecified 1.6% (2011 est.)

Health expenditures

7.8% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.28% (2014 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

100 (2014 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

8,000 (2014 est.)

Hospital bed density

2.9 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

3.7 deaths/1,000 live births 4 deaths/1,000 live births 3.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)

female

3.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)

male

4 deaths/1,000 live births

total

3.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English (official, the language generally used), Irish (Gaelic or Gaeilge) (official, spoken by approximately 38.7% of the population as a first or second language in 2011; mainly spoken in areas along the western coast)

Life expectancy at birth

80.8 years 78.5 years 83.2 years (2016 est.)

female

83.2 years (2016 est.)

male

78.5 years

total population

80.8 years

Major urban areas - population

DUBLIN (capital) 1.169 million (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

8 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

36.4 years 36.1 years 36.8 years (2016 est.)

female

36.8 years (2016 est.)

male

36.1 years

total

36.4 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

29.9 (2012 est.)

Nationality

Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collective plural) Irish

adjective

Irish

noun

Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collective plural)

Net migration rate

4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

27% (2014)

Physicians density

2.67 physicians/1,000 population (2013)

Population

4,952,473 (July 2016 est.)

Population distribution

population distribution is weighted to the eastern side of the island, with the largest agglomeration being in and around Dublin; populations in the west are small due to mountainous land, poorer soil, lack of good transport routes, and fewer job opportunities

Population growth rate

1.2% (2016 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 84.7%, Church of Ireland 2.7%, other Christian 2.7%, Muslim 1.1%, other 1.7%, unspecified 1.5%, none 5.7% (2011 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 89.1% of population rural: 92.9% of population total: 90.5% of population urban: 10.9% of population rural: 7.1% of population total: 9.5% of population (2015 est.)

rural

7.1% of population

total

9.5% of population (2015 est.)

urban

10.9% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

19 years 19 years 19 years (2012)

female

19 years (2012)

male

19 years

total

19 years

Sex ratio

1.06 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.86 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.03 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.01 male(s)/female

55-64 years

1 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.86 male(s)/female

at birth

1.06 male(s)/female

total population

1 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.98 children born/woman (2016 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

23.9% 26.6% 20.9% (2014 est.)

female

20.9% (2014 est.)

male

26.6%

total

23.9%

Urbanization

63.2% of total population (2015) 1.58% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.58% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

63.2% of total population (2015)

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

Capital

Dublin 53 19 N, 6 14 W UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

53 19 N, 6 14 W

name

Dublin

time difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

yes yes yes 4 of the previous 8 years

citizenship by birth

yes

citizenship by descent

yes

dual citizenship recognized

yes

residency requirement for naturalization

4 of the previous 8 years

Constitution

previous 1922; latest drafted 14 June 1937, adopted by plebiscite 1 July 1937, effective 29 December 1937 proposed as bills in Parliament; passage requires majority vote by both the Senate and House of Representatives, majority vote in a referendum, and presidental signature; amended many times, last in 2015 (2016)

amendments

proposed as bills in Parliament; passage requires majority vote by both the Senate and House of Representatives, majority vote in a referendum, and presidental signature; amended many times, last in 2015 (2016)

history

previous 1922; latest drafted 14 June 1937, adopted by plebiscite 1 July 1937, effective 29 December 1937

Country name

none Ireland none Eire the modern Irish name "Eire" evolved from the Gaelic "Eriu," the name of the matron goddess of Ireland (goddess of the land); the names "Ireland" in English and "Eire" in Irish are direct translations of each other

conventional long form

none

conventional short form

Ireland

etymology

the modern Irish name "Eire" evolved from the Gaelic "Eriu," the name of the matron goddess of Ireland (goddess of the land); the names "Ireland" in English and "Eire" in Irish are direct translations of each other

local long form

none

local short form

Eire

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Kevin F. O'MALLEY (since 8 October 2014) 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 use embassy street address [353] (1) 668-8777 [353] (1) 668-9946

chief of mission

Ambassador Kevin F. O'MALLEY (since 8 October 2014)

embassy

42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

FAX

[353] (1) 668-9946

mailing address

use embassy street address

telephone

[353] (1) 668-8777

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Anne Colette ANDERSON (since 28 August 2013) 2234 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 462-3939 [1] (202) 232-5993 Atlanta, Austin (TX), Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco

chancery

2234 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Anne Colette ANDERSON (since 28 August 2013)

consulate(s) general

Atlanta, Austin (TX), Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco

FAX

[1] (202) 232-5993

telephone

[1] (202) 462-3939

Executive branch

President Michael D. HIGGINS (since 11 November 2011) Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda KENNY (since 9 March 2011); KENNY resigns 9 March 2016; reelected prime minister on 6 May 2016 Cabinet nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president, approved by the Dali Eireann (lower house of Parliament) president directly elected by majority popular vote for a 7-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 October 2011 (next to be held in October 2018); taoiseach (prime minister) nominated by the House of Representatives (Dail Eireann), appointed by the president Michael D. HIGGINS elected president; percent of vote - Michael D. HIGGINS (Labor Party) 39.6%, Sean GALLAGHER (independent) 28.5%, Martin MCGUINNESS (Sinn Fein) 13.7%, Gay MITCHELL (Fine Gael) 6.4%, David NORRIS (independent) 6.2%, other 5.6%

cabinet

Cabinet nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president, approved by the Dali Eireann (lower house of Parliament)

chief of state

President Michael D. HIGGINS (since 11 November 2011)

election results

Michael D. HIGGINS elected president; percent of vote - Michael D. HIGGINS (Labor Party) 39.6%, Sean GALLAGHER (independent) 28.5%, Martin MCGUINNESS (Sinn Fein) 13.7%, Gay MITCHELL (Fine Gael) 6.4%, David NORRIS (independent) 6.2%, other 5.6%

elections/appointments

president directly elected by majority popular vote for a 7-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 October 2011 (next to be held in October 2018); taoiseach (prime minister) nominated by the House of Representatives (Dail Eireann), appointed by the president

head of government

Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda KENNY (since 9 March 2011); KENNY resigns 9 March 2016; reelected prime minister on 6 May 2016

Flag description

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and orange; officially the flag colors have no meaning, but a common interpretation is that the green represents the Irish nationalist (Gaelic) tradition of Ireland; orange represents the Orange tradition (minority supporters of William of Orange); white symbolizes peace (or a lasting truce) between the green and the orange similar to the flag of Cote d'Ivoire, which is shorter and has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter and has colors of green (hoist side), white, and red

note

similar to the flag of Cote d'Ivoire, which is shorter and has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter and has colors of green (hoist side), white, and red

Government type

parliamentary republic

Independence

6 December 1921 (from the UK by treaty)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

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, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of Ireland (consists of the chief justice, 9 judges, 2 ex-officio members - the presidents of the High Court and Court of Appeal - and organized in 3-, 5-, or 7-judge panels, depending on the importance or complexity of an issue of law) judges nominated by the prime minister and Cabinet and appointed by the president; chief justice serves in the position for 7 years; judges can serve until age 70 High Court, Court of Appeal; circuit and district courts; criminal courts

highest court(s)

Supreme Court of Ireland (consists of the chief justice, 9 judges, 2 ex-officio members - the presidents of the High Court and Court of Appeal - and organized in 3-, 5-, or 7-judge panels, depending on the importance or complexity of an issue of law)

judge selection and term of office

judges nominated by the prime minister and Cabinet and appointed by the president; chief justice serves in the position for 7 years; judges can serve until age 70

subordinate courts

High Court, Court of Appeal; circuit and district courts; criminal courts

Legal system

common law system based on the English model but substantially modified by customary law; judicial review of legislative acts by Supreme Court

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament or Oireachtas consists of the Senate or Seanad Eireann (60 seats; 43 members indirectly elected by panels of various vocational interests, 11 appointed by the prime minister, and 6 elected by graduates of the University of Dublin and the National University of Ireland; members serve 5-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Dail Eireann (158 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) Senate - last held in 27 April 2011 (next to be held probably in 2016); House of Representatives - last held on 26 February 2016 (next to be held probably in 2021) Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Fine Gael 19, Fianna Fail 14, Labor Party 12, Sinn Fein 3, independent 12; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - Fine Gael 25.5%, Fianna Fail 24.4%, Sinn Fein 13.8%, Labor Party 6.6%, AAA-PBD 4.0%, Social Democrats 3.0%, Green Party 2.7%, Renua Ireland 2.2% independents 17.8%; seats by party - Fine Gael 50, Fianna Fail 44, Sinn Fein 23, Labor Party 7, AAA-PBP 6, Social Democrats 3, Green Party 2, independent 23

description

bicameral Parliament or Oireachtas consists of the Senate or Seanad Eireann (60 seats; 43 members indirectly elected by panels of various vocational interests, 11 appointed by the prime minister, and 6 elected by graduates of the University of Dublin and the National University of Ireland; members serve 5-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Dail Eireann (158 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms)

election results

Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Fine Gael 19, Fianna Fail 14, Labor Party 12, Sinn Fein 3, independent 12; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - Fine Gael 25.5%, Fianna Fail 24.4%, Sinn Fein 13.8%, Labor Party 6.6%, AAA-PBD 4.0%, Social Democrats 3.0%, Green Party 2.7%, Renua Ireland 2.2% independents 17.8%; seats by party - Fine Gael 50, Fianna Fail 44, Sinn Fein 23, Labor Party 7, AAA-PBP 6, Social Democrats 3, Green Party 2, independent 23

elections

Senate - last held in 27 April 2011 (next to be held probably in 2016); House of Representatives - last held on 26 February 2016 (next to be held probably in 2021)

National anthem

"Amhran na bhFiann" (The Soldier's Song) Peadar KEARNEY [English], Liam O RINN [Irish]/Patrick HEENEY and Peadar KEARNEY adopted 1926; instead of "Amhran na bhFiann," the song "Ireland's Call" is often used at athletic events where citizens of Ireland and Northern Ireland compete as a unified team

lyrics/music

Peadar KEARNEY [English], Liam O RINN [Irish]/Patrick HEENEY and Peadar KEARNEY

name

"Amhran na bhFiann" (The Soldier's Song)

note

adopted 1926; instead of "Amhran na bhFiann," the song "Ireland's Call" is often used at athletic events where citizens of Ireland and Northern Ireland compete as a unified team

National holiday

Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March

National symbol(s)

harp, shamrock (trefoil); national colors: blue, green

harp, shamrock (trefoil); national colors

blue, green

Political parties and leaders

Anti-Austerity Alliance-People Before Profit or AAA-PBP [collective leadership] Fianna Fail [Micheal MARTIN] Fine Gael [Enda KENNY] Green Party [Eamon RYAN] Labor (Labour) Party [Brendan HOWLIN] Renua Ireland [John LEAHY] Sinn Fein [Gerry ADAMS] Social Democratic Party [Stephen DONNELLY, Catherine MURPHY, Roisin SHORTALL] Socialist Party [collective leadership] The Workers' Party [Michael DONNELLY]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Continuity IRA (terrorist group) Families Acting for Innocent Relatives or FAIR [Brian MCCONNELL] (seek compensation for victims of violence) Iona Institute [David QUINN] (a conservative Catholic think tank) Irish Anti-War Movement [Richard BOYD BARRETT] (campaigns against wars around the world) Keep Ireland Open (environmental group) Oglaigh na hEireann (terrorist group) Midland Railway Action Group or MRAG [Willie ALLEN] (transportation promoters) New Irish Republican Army (terrorist group combining elements of the former Real IRA and Republican Action Against Drugs) Peace and Neutrality Alliance [Roger COLE] (campaigns to protect Irish neutrality) Rail Users Ireland (formerly the Platform 11 - transportation promoters) 32 Country Sovereignty Movement or 32CSM (supports unifying Northern Ireland with the rest of the island under Irish government sovereignty)

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

barley, potatoes, wheat; beef, dairy products

Budget

$78.42 billion $84.07 billion (2015 est.)

expenditures

$84.07 billion (2015 est.)

revenues

$78.42 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-2.4% of GDP (2015 est.)

Central bank discount rate

0.05% (31 December 2015) 0.15% (31 August 2014) this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

note

this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate

3.4% (31 December 2015 est.) 3.41% (31 December 2014 est.)

Current account balance

$10.6 billion (2015 est.) $9.08 billion (2014 est.)

Debt - external

$1.96 trillion (31 December 2014 est.) $2.078 trillion (31 December 2013 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

31.3 (2013 est.) 35.9 (1987 est.)

Economy - overview

Ireland is a small, modern, trade-dependent economy. Ireland was among the initial group of 12 EU nations that began circulating the euro on 1 January 2002. GDP growth averaged 6% in 1995-2007, but economic activity dropped sharply during the world financial crisis and the subsequent collapse of its domestic property market and construction industry. Faced with sharply reduced revenues and a burgeoning budget deficit from efforts to stabilize its fragile banking sector, the Irish Government introduced the first in a series of draconian budgets in 2009. These measures were not sufficient to stabilize Ireland’s public finances. In 2010, the budget deficit reached 32.4% of GDP - the world's largest deficit, as a percentage of GDP. In late 2010, the former COWEN government agreed to a $92 billion loan package from the EU and IMF to help Dublin recapitalize Ireland’s banking sector and avoid defaulting on its sovereign debt. In March 2011, the KENNY government intensified austerity measures to meet the deficit targets under Ireland's EU-IMF bailout program. In late 2013, Ireland formally exited its EU-IMF bailout program, benefiting from its strict adherence to deficit-reduction targets and success in refinancing a large amount of banking-related debt. In 2014, the economy rapidly picked up and GDP grew by 5.2%. The recovering economy assisted lowering the deficit to 2.5% of GDP. In late 2014, the government introduced a fiscally neutral budget, marking the end of the austerity program. Continued growth of tax receipts has allowed the government to lower some taxes and increase public spending while keeping to its deficit-reduction targets. In 2015, GDP growth reached 7.8%, the highest growth in the EU for the second consecutive year. In the wake of the collapse of the construction sector and the downturn in consumer spending and business investment, the export sector, dominated by foreign multinationals, has become an even more important component of Ireland's economy. Ireland’s low corporation tax of 12.5% and a talented pool of high-tech laborers have been key factors in encouraging business investment. Loose tax residency requirements made Ireland a common destination for international firms seeking to avoid taxation. Amid growing international pressure, the government announced it would phase in more stringent tax laws, effectively closing a loophole.

Exchange rates

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.885 (2015 est.) 0.7525 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) 0.78 (2012 est.) 0.7185 (2011 est.)

Exports

$125.5 billion (2015 est.) $123.1 billion (2014 est.)

Exports - commodities

machinery and equipment, computers, chemicals, medical devices, pharmaceuticals; foodstuffs, animal products

Exports - partners

US 23.7%, UK 13.8%, Belgium 13.2%, Germany 6.6%, Switzerland 5.5%, Netherlands 4.4%, France 4.4% (2015)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

47% 13.2% 20.3% 0.9% 113.5% -94.9% (2015 est.)

exports of goods and services

113.5%

government consumption

13.2%

household consumption

47%

imports of goods and services

-94.9% (2015 est.)

investment in fixed capital

20.3%

investment in inventories

0.9%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

1.5% 24.9% 73.5% (2015 est.)

agriculture

1.5%

industry

24.9%

services

73.5% (2015 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$55,500 (2015 est.) $51,800 (2014 est.) $49,400 (2013 est.) data are in 2015 US dollars

note

data are in 2015 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

7.8% (2015 est.) 5.2% (2014 est.) 1.4% (2013 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$238 billion (2015 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$257.4 billion (2015 est.) $238.8 billion (2014 est.) $227 billion (2013 est.) data are in 2015 US dollars

note

data are in 2015 US dollars

Gross national saving

27.7% of GDP (2015 est.) 23.9% of GDP (2014 est.) 21.2% of GDP (2013 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.9% 27.2% (2000)

highest 10%

27.2% (2000)

lowest 10%

2.9%

Imports

$75.73 billion (2015 est.) $80.88 billion (2014 est.)

Imports - commodities

data processing equipment, other machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products, textiles, clothing

Imports - partners

UK 32.5%, US 14%, France 10.2%, Germany 9.3%, Netherlands 4.9%, China 4.1% (2015)

Industrial production growth rate

3% (2015 est.)

Industries

pharmaceuticals, chemicals, computer hardware and software, food products, beverages and brewing; medical devices

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

0% (2015 est.) 0.3% (2014 est.)

Labor force

2.171 million (2015 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

5% 11% 84% (2015 est.)

agriculture

5%

industry

11%

services

84% (2015 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$138.1 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $165.7 billion (31 December 2014) $171.3 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

Population below poverty line

8.2% (2013 est.)

Public debt

101.2% of GDP (2015 est.) 107.6% of GDP (2014 est.) data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions

note

data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$1.748 billion (31 December 2014 est.) $1.635 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

Stock of broad money

$255.3 billion (31 December 2014 est.) $267.4 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$961.3 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $939.6 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$878.1 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $831.9 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$340.4 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $380.3 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$140.9 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $143.5 billion (31 December 2014 est.) see entry for the European Union for money supply for the entire euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 18 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

note

see entry for the European Union for money supply for the entire euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 18 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Taxes and other revenues

32.9% of GDP (2015 est.)

Unemployment rate

9.4% (2015 est.) 11.3% (2014 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

34 million Mt (2012 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Crude oil - imports

74,690 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2015 es)

Electricity - consumption

25 billion kWh (2013 est.)

Electricity - exports

700 million kWh (2013 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

72.3% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

2.7% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

25% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)

Electricity - imports

2.9 billion kWh (2013 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

9.1 million kW (2013 est.)

Electricity - production

25 billion kWh (2013 est.)

Electricity access

100% (2016)

electrification - total population

100% (2016)

Natural gas - consumption

4.387 billion cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - imports

4.246 billion cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - production

152 million cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

9.911 billion cu m (1 January 2014 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

147,800 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

34,200 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

115,000 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

68,050 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Broadcast media

publicly owned broadcaster Radio Telefis Eireann (RTE) operates 2 TV stations; commercial TV stations are available; about 75% of households utilize multi-channel satellite and TV services that provide access to a wide range of stations; RTE operates 4 national radio stations and has launched digital audio broadcasts on several stations; a number of commercial broadcast stations operate at the national, regional, and local levels (2014)

Internet country code

.ie

Internet users

3.92 million 80.1% (July 2015 est.)

percent of population

80.1% (July 2015 est.)

total

3.92 million

Telephone system

modern digital system using cable and microwave radio relay system privatized but dominated by former state monopoly operator; increasing levels of broadband access particularly in urban areas country code - 353; landing point for the Hibernia-Atlantic submarine cable with links to the US, Canada, and UK; satellite earth stations - 81 (2014)

domestic

system privatized but dominated by former state monopoly operator; increasing levels of broadband access particularly in urban areas

general assessment

modern digital system using cable and microwave radio relay

international

country code - 353; landing point for the Hibernia-Atlantic submarine cable with links to the US, Canada, and UK; satellite earth stations - 81 (2014)

Telephones - fixed lines

1,932,059 39 (July 2015 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

39 (July 2015 est.)

total subscriptions

1,932,059

Telephones - mobile cellular

4.902 million 100 (July 2015 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

100 (July 2015 est.)

total

4.902 million

Airports

40 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

5 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

4

2,438 to 3,047 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

5

over 3,047 m

1

total

16

under 914 m

5 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

21 (2013)

2,438 to 3,047 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

2

total

24

under 914 m

21 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

EI (2016)

Merchant marine

cargo 28, chemical tanker 2, container 1 5 (France 2, Spain 1, US 2) 33 (Bahamas 3, Bermuda 1, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 3, Isle of Man 1, Kazakhstan 1, Malta 4, Marshall Islands 6, Netherlands 8, Panama 1, Russia 1, Slovakia 1, Sweden 1, UK 1) (2010)

by type

cargo 28, chemical tanker 2, container 1

foreign-owned

5 (France 2, Spain 1, US 2)

registered in other countries

33 (Bahamas 3, Bermuda 1, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 3, Isle of Man 1, Kazakhstan 1, Malta 4, Marshall Islands 6, Netherlands 8, Panama 1, Russia 1, Slovakia 1, Sweden 1, UK 1) (2010)

total

31

National air transport system

113,144,501 138.58 million mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

138.58 million mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

113,144,501

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

431

number of registered air carriers

6

Pipelines

gas 2,147 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Dublin, Shannon Foynes Cork (Lee), Waterford (Suir) Dublin (1,931,001)

container port(s) (TEUs)

Dublin (1,931,001)

major seaport(s)

Dublin, Shannon Foynes

river port(s)

Cork (Lee), Waterford (Suir)

Railways

3,237 km 1,872 km 1.600-m gauge (49 km electrified) 1,365 km 0.914-m gauge (operated by the Irish Peat Board to transport peat to power stations and briquetting plants) (2014)

broad gauge

1,872 km 1.600-m gauge (49 km electrified)

narrow gauge

1,365 km 0.914-m gauge (operated by the Irish Peat Board to transport peat to power stations and briquetting plants) (2014)

total

3,237 km

Roadways

96,036 km 96,036 km (includes 1,224 km of expressways) (2014)

paved

96,036 km (includes 1,224 km of expressways) (2014)

total

96,036 km

Waterways

956 km (pleasure craft only) (2010)

Military branches

Irish Defence Forces (Oglaigh na h-Eireannn), Permanent Defence Forces (PDF): Army, Naval Service, Air Corps; Reserve Defence Forces (RDF): Army, Naval Service Reserves (2014)

Irish Defence Forces (Oglaigh na h-Eireannn), Permanent Defence Forces (PDF)

Army, Naval Service, Air Corps; Reserve Defence Forces (RDF): Army, Naval Service Reserves (2014)

Military expenditures

0.49% of GDP (2014) 0.51% of GDP (2013) 0.55% of GDP (2012) 0.59% of GDP (2011) 0.55% of GDP (2010)

Military service age and obligation

18-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military service recruits to the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF; 18-27 years of age for the Naval Service); 18-28 for cadetship (officer) applicants; 18-35 years of age for the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF); maximum obligation 12 years (PDF officers), 5 years (PDF enlisted), 3 years RDF (4 years for Naval Service Reserves); EU citizenship, refugee status, or 5-year residence in Ireland required (2014)

Disputes - international

Ireland, Iceland, and the UK dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

Illicit drugs

transshipment point for and consumer of hashish from North Africa to the UK and Netherlands and of European-produced synthetic drugs; increasing consumption of South American cocaine; minor transshipment point for heroin and cocaine destined for Western Europe; despite recent legislation, narcotics-related money laundering - using bureaux de change, trusts, and shell companies involving the offshore financial community - remains a concern

Refugees and internally displaced persons

99 (2015)

stateless persons

99 (2015)