Ireland is an independent country in Western Europe, occupying the majority of the island of Ireland west of Great Britain. It has a land area covering 68,466 square kilometers (26,435 square miles) and a population estimated at 5,203,000 for 2023. The capital and largest city is Dublin.
Throughout its history, Ireland has been invaded and colonized by Celts, Norsemen, Normans, English, and Scots, yet today ethnic distinctions are nonexistent. Irish is the first official language while English is also recognized, and Christianity is the predominant religion (Roman Catholic and Protestant). The currency is the euro.
The topography of Ireland consists mainly of lowlands, which are drained by rivers such as the Shannon, and surrounded by mountains on its coasts. About three-fifths of the population live in urban areas, while agriculture employs only a small percentage of the workforce. The economy relies heavily on high technology, tourism, and other service industries, with mining, manufacturing, and construction also being important.
The Republic of Ireland is a unitary multiparty system with two legislative bodies: the Senate (602 members) and the House of Representatives (158 members). The head of state is the President, and the head of government is the Prime Minister.
As of 2022, Ireland's population rank is 125, with a projected total population of 5,262,000 for 2030. Its life expectancy at birth for males is 78.8 years, and 83.6 years for females. Literacy rates are 100% for both men and women aged fifteen and over. The gross national income per capita is US$63,470.