Ireland Population
Europe & Central Asia · 121st most populous · High income
Population right now (estimate)
5,544,250
The population of Ireland is about 5,544,250 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 5.5 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.07% of the world's people.
Ireland is ranked 121st of 217 by population. The population is still growing, by about 0.84% a year. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 6.1 million. Since 1960 (2.8 million) it has grown by 96%. Population density is 80 people per square kilometre. 65% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
5.5 million
Yearly change
+0.84%
World rank
121st
Share of world
0.07%
Density
80/km²
Land area
68,890 km²
Life expectancy
83.0 yrs
Births per woman
1.47
GDP per capita
$131,592
GDP
$721.7B
Population of Ireland, 1960–2050
Ireland population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 2,828,600 | — | 41 |
| 1970 | 2,957,250 | +0.84% | 43 |
| 1980 | 3,412,800 | +1.16% | 50 |
| 1990 | 3,513,974 | +0.08% | 51 |
| 2000 | 3,805,174 | +1.34% | 55 |
| 2010 | 4,560,155 | +0.55% | 66 |
| 2020 | 5,039,747 | +1.27% | 73 |
| 2024 | 5,395,790 | +1.59% | 78 |
| 2026proj. | 5,530,612 | +0.84% | 80 |
| 2030proj. | 5,688,012 | +0.61% | 83 |
| 2040proj. | 5,958,206 | +0.39% | 86 |
| 2050proj. | 6,091,619 | +0.07% | 88 |
Ireland vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 32.2 times as many people as Ireland. Bangladesh is 17.0 times more densely populated.
Ireland population: questions and answers
What is the population of Ireland in 2026?
About 5,530,612 (5.5 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Ireland's population growing?
Yes, by about 0.84% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Ireland?
About 80 people per km², with a land area of 68,890 km².
What will the population of Ireland be in 2050?
About 6.1 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Ireland?
Dublin.
What is the life expectancy in Ireland?
83.0 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.