The population of the island of Ireland has been seriously influenced
over the years by emigration. Many people left Irish shores in the
search for work and a better life. The population continues to be
effected today but this time in reverse, as expatriates are now returning
home and young people are more likely to stay due to the ongoing relative
success of the Irish "Celtic Tiger" economy.
Having decreased since 1926, the population of the Irish Republic
has risen steadily from the low of the 1960’s. Though the numbers
of children in families is decreasing, less are emigrating and the
population at the time of the last census in 1996 was approximately
3,626,000. This figure is projected to rise slightly but not in dramatic
proportions. The Northern Irish population is also steadily rising
with approximate figures of 1,692,000 in 1999. The total population
of Ireland (North & South) is estimated to be 5,350,000 today.
The Republic of Ireland is far less densely populated than its neighbour
Britain, with an average of 52 people per square kilometre (as per
the last census in 1996). The most densely populated region is of
course the greater Dublin area, while the numbers of people per square
kilometre in the various provinces of Ireland varies from 97 in Leinster
to 24 in Connaught. Northern Ireland is more densely populated than
the Republic, with a present population density of approximately 125
people per square kilometre.
The Republic of Ireland is a relatively young country, with almost
70% of its population under the age of 45 and over 40% of the population
under the age of 25. This is a factor that contributes greatly to
the present dynamic labour force in the Irish Republic. Just over
11% of the Republic’s population are over 65 years old. Northern
Ireland is also a young country but not quite as youthful as its southern
counterpart, with approximately 24% of its population under the age
of 16. Approximately 15% of Northern Ireland’s population are
over retirement age (65 for men and 60 for women).
