Ireland General Information

Official Name: Known officially as Ireland.

Capital city: Dublin is both the largest city and Capital of Ireland. It is located near the midpoint of Ireland's East coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the centre of the Dublin Region.

Location: Ireland lies in the North Atlantic Ocean and is separated from Great Britain by St George's Channel on the South East, the Irish Sea on the East, and the North Channel on the North East.

Size: The total land area of Ireland is 70,273 square kilometers and this ranks 126th globally. The size is roughly slightly larger than West Virginia in the USA.

Climate: Due to mild southwesterly winds and the Gulf Stream, the climate in Ireland is temperate. Summers in the country are warm, while temperatures during winter are much cooler. Spring and autumn are very mild. Expected rain falls all year round.

Population: Ireland has an estimated population of 4.203 million people and ranks 126th globally. The country has a population growth rate of 1.12%.

Life expectancy at birth: The average life expectancy at birth for citizens of Ireland is 78.24 years, ranking at 47th globally. Females have a longer average life span at 81.06 years, while Males average at 75.6 years from birth.

Prevalence of HIV/AIDS: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Ireland is about 0.2%, placing 102nd globally. This means that around 5,500 people are living with the disease in the country.

Major Illnesses: Potential health risks in Ireland include Tetanus, Swine Flu (H1N1) and Influenza A.

Ethnic Groups: Ireland is mainly comprised of ethnically Irish citizens, at 87.4% of the population. Other ethnic groups include white at 7.5%, Asian at 1.3%, black at 1.1%, mixed at 1.1% and unspecified at 1.6%.

Languages: There are two official languages in Ireland. English is the language generally used, accounting for 98.7% of the population. Irish (Gaelic), is also another official language spoken mainly in areas along the western coast, accounting for 1.3% of the population. Official documents are printed in both languages.

Religion: The major religion in Ireland is Roman Catholic accounting for 87.4% of the population and other religions include Church of Ireland at 2.9%, other Christian at 1.9%, other at 2.1%, unspecified at 1.5% and none 4.2%.

Government: Ireland is a sovereign, independent, democratic state with a parliamentary system of Government. The president, who serves as chief of state is elected for a 7-year term and can be re-elected only once. In carrying out certain constitutional powers and functions, the president is aided by the Council of State, an advisory body. On the prime minister's advice, the president also dissolves the Parliament.

Head of State: The Head of State in Ireland is the President Mary Mcaleese, who is elected for a 7-year term and can be re-elected only once. This is largely a ceremonial role.

Head of Government: The Head of Government in Ireland is the Prime Minister Brian Cowen who is elected by the lower house of Parliament as the leader of the political party, or coalition of parties, which wins the most seats in the national elections, held around every five years (unless called earlier).

Military: The Federal Armed Forces of Ireland consists of Army (includes Naval Service and Air Corps). The suitable age for male or female voluntary military service is 17-25 years of age.

Economy: Ireland is a small, modern, trade-dependent economy. Agriculture was once the most important sector, but the country has now shifted course and is dominated by industry and services. The economy of Ireland, driven by industry and exports is one of the leading economies in the European Union and an important economy in the world. The tertiary sector (such as call centers, legal services, financial services, catering and tourism) are the driving force in the Irish economy. This sector accounts for 49% of the country’s GDP and employs about 64% of Ireland's workforce. The secondary sector (such as high-end technology based industries) is dominated by several top profile industries, contribute 46 % to the GDP of Ireland and accounts for 28% of employment. This sector also accounts for the highest exports. The primary sector (such as fishery, zinc export and Agro based food and drink products) of the Irish economy is relatively smaller compared to the secondary and tertiary sectors. The primary sector has an average of 5% contribution to the GDP of Ireland and employs an average 8% of Ireland's workforce.