World Happiness Report for Ireland 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Ireland: 17
- Happiness Score Ireland:6.838
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Ireland. .
Ireland is a sovereign nation located in north-western Europe. It is a parliamentary democracy with a president serving as the head of state. Ireland is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music and dance, as well as its stunning natural landscapes. The country has a strong economy, with a focus on industries such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
- Ireland is home to the oldest known vernacular poetry in Europe, the 8th century Poetry in Early Medieval Ireland.
- The country’s official languages are English and Irish (Gaelic).
- Ireland is often referred to as the “Emerald Isle” due to its lush green countryside.
Ireland – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History and Ancient Civilizations
Ireland’s history dates back to the arrival of prehistoric settlers around 8000 BC. The island was inhabited by Celtic tribes known as the Gaels, who lived as farmers and hunters. The Celts established settlements and developed a rich mythology and oral tradition.
Kingdoms and Empires
In the 5th century AD, Ireland was divided into several kingdoms, with the most powerful being the Kingdom of Munster, Connacht, Ulster, and Meath. These kingdoms engaged in frequent conflicts and power struggles. The Viking invasions in the 9th century brought significant changes, with the establishment of Norse settlements and the founding of cities like Dublin.
Colonial Period
The Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century marked the beginning of more than 800 years of English involvement and colonial rule. The Tudor conquest in the 16th century saw the establishment of the Kingdom of Ireland under the English crown. The Irish experienced oppression, land confiscation, and religious discrimination, culminating in the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the Cromwellian conquest in the mid-17th century.
Independence and Modern Era
The struggle for Irish independence intensified in the late 19th century, leading to the Easter Rising in 1916. After a tumultuous period of violence and civil war, the Irish Free State was established in 1922, later becoming the Republic of Ireland in 1949. The country joined the European Economic Community (now the European Union) in 1973 and experienced an economic boom known as the “Celtic Tiger” in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Current Political Situation
Ireland is a parliamentary democracy with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The two largest political parties are Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Recent elections have seen a rise in support for smaller parties and independents. The current Taoiseach (Prime Minister) is Leo Varadkar, leader of Fine Gael.
International Relations
Ireland maintains strong ties with the European Union and is a member of the United Nations and other international organizations. The country has a long-standing policy of military neutrality but participates in peacekeeping missions. The complex relationship with the United Kingdom, particularly regarding Northern Ireland, remains a significant foreign policy issue.
Human Development and Economy
Ireland has a highly developed economy, with a strong focus on services, pharmaceuticals, and technology. The country ranks highly in human development indices, with a high standard of living and quality of education. Key industries include agriculture, tourism, and financial services.
Cultural Highlights
Ireland is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including its literature, music, dance, and Celtic traditions. The country is predominantly Catholic, with a significant Protestant minority. The Irish language, along with English, is an official language. Notable cultural contributions include writers like James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Oscar Wilde, as well as traditional music and dance forms like Irish folk music and Riverdance.
Challenges and Opportunities
Ireland faces challenges such as housing affordability, healthcare system reforms, and managing the impact of Brexit on its economy and relationship with the United Kingdom. However, the country’s highly skilled workforce, robust economic sectors, and commitment to innovation present opportunities for continued growth and development.
Main facts
1. Location
Ireland is an island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain. It occupies the second-largest island of the British Isles, lying between the islands of Great Britain to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
2. Map References
Ireland is situated in the northwestern part of Europe, within the British Isles archipelago.
3. Area – Comparative
Ireland has a total area of 70,273 sq km, slightly larger than the state of West Virginia in the United States.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Ireland shares a land border of 499 km with Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
5. Coastline
Ireland has a total coastline of 1,448 km, with rugged headlands, cliffs, and numerous bays and inlets along its western and southern coasts.
6. Maritime Claims
Ireland claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf of 200 nautical miles or to the limits of the continental margin.
7. Climate
Ireland has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with mild winters and cool summers. The climate is relatively consistent across the island, though western coastal regions tend to be wetter and windier.
8. Terrain
Ireland’s terrain consists of mostly flat to rolling interior plains surrounded by rugged hills and low mountains, with sea cliffs lining the rocky western coast. The central lowlands are interspersed with numerous lakes and bogs.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Ireland is Carrauntoohil, located in the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range, at 1,041 meters. The lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean, at 0 meters.
10. Natural Resources
Ireland’s main natural resources include natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite, gypsum, limestone, and dolomite.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Ireland include the River Shannon (the longest river), Lough Neagh (the largest lake), and the Liffey River, which flows through the capital city of Dublin.
12. Natural Hazards
The primary natural hazards affecting Ireland are coastal flooding and wind storms.
13. Geography – Notes
Ireland’s geography is characterized by its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and rugged coastal areas, which contribute to its picturesque scenery and agricultural suitability. The island’s strategic location along major sea routes has also played a significant role in its history and cultural heritage.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 11.00%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 37,711. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 64.50%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 53.41291-8.24389.
- Capital: The capital of Ireland is Dublin
- Major Cities:
- Dublin – population: 1,173,179
- Cork – population: 210,000
- Limerick – population: 94,192
- Galway – population: 79,934
- Waterford – population: 53,504
- Population: 5,007,069
- Area(Km2): 70273
- Population Density( P/Km²):72. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:353
- Official Language(s):Ireland is English (98%) and Irish (4%).
- Currency: EUR
Main Economic Indicators
Ireland has a modern, trade-dependent economy with high productivity per capita and a strong presence in high-tech sectors like information and communications technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance. The economy is heavily reliant on foreign direct investment and trade with partners in the EU and the US. Key challenges include addressing housing shortages, rising costs of living, and the potential impacts of Brexit on trade and investment flows.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 2.4% (Source: Central Statistics Office Ireland)
2022: 8.2% (Source: Central Statistics Office Ireland)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: AA- (Stable)
Moody’s: A1 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: AA- (Positive)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 1.6%
Industry: 38.8%
Services: 59.6%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Milk, beef, barley, wheat, potatoes, pork
Industrial Products: Pharmaceuticals, computer hardware and software, chemicals, medical devices, food products, beverages
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 2.516 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 112nd in the world
Current Account Balance
2021: $39.35 billion (surplus)
2022: $24.83 billion (surplus)
Comparative Ranking: 11th in the world
Exports and Imports
Exports: $435.2 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: US, UK, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands
Main Exports: Organic chemicals, computers, packaged medicines, medical instruments, integrated circuits
Imports: $329.4 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: UK, US, France, Germany, Netherlands
Main Imports: Organic chemicals, computers, broadcasting equipment, crude oil, gas
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $3.95 billion (December 2022)
Gold Reserves: 6.03 metric tons (December 2022)
- GDP (Current US$):$388,698,711,348. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 18.30%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 26.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.37. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $10.79. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 4.93%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Nationality (noun): Irish
Nationality (adjective): Irish
2. Ethnic Groups
– Irish: 82.2%
– Other White: 9.5%
– Asian: 2.1%
– Black: 1.4%
– Other: 4.8%
3. Religions
– Roman Catholic: 78.3%
– Church of Ireland (Anglican): 2.7%
– Muslim: 1.3%
– Other Christian: 1.6%
– Orthodox: 1.3%
– Unaffiliated: 9.8%
– Other: 5%
4. Age Structure
– 0-14 years: 20.68%
– 15-64 years: 65.17%
– 65 years and over: 14.15%
5. Dependency Ratios
– Total dependency ratio: 53.4
– Youth dependency ratio: 33.5
– Elderly dependency ratio: 19.9
6. Median Age
– Total: 37.9 years
– Male: 37.2 years
– Female: 38.7 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
– Obesity rate: 25.3% of the population (2016)
– Alcohol consumption: 11.2 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2016)
– Tobacco use: 17.6% of adults (2016)
– Life expectancy at birth: 81.6 years (2020)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 82.3. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:12.5. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.75. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 80.7%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 3,133,123. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):15.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Irish Defence Forces consist of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). The PDF comprises the Army, Air Corps, and Naval Service, while the RDF provides support and auxiliary services.
The Army is the main branch, with the Infantry Corps, Artillery Corps, Cavalry Corps, Engineer Corps, Transport Corps, Ordnance Corps, Military Police Corps, and other supporting corps. The Air Corps operates small fleets of transport and utility aircraft. The Naval Service operates patrol vessels for fishery protection, search and rescue, and maritime security duties.
Internal security is maintained primarily by the Garda Síochána (National Police Service) and its specialized units like the Emergency Response Unit and Regional Support Units.
Military Expenditures
Ireland’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2021: 0.3%
- 2020: 0.3%
- 2019: 0.3%
- 2018: 0.3%
- 2017: 0.3%
Ireland ranks among the lowest in military spending globally, reflecting its policy of neutrality and focus on peacekeeping missions.
Personnel Strengths
The Irish Defence Forces have approximately 8,500 active-duty personnel:
- Army: 7,000
- Air Corps: 700
- Naval Service: 800
The Reserve Defence Force has around 3,600 members, while the Garda Síochána has approximately 14,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Ireland’s military equipment includes:
- Land Systems: Light armored vehicles, armored personnel carriers, utility vehicles, and artillery systems.
- Air Assets: Transport aircraft, utility helicopters, and trainer aircraft.
- Naval Assets: Offshore patrol vessels, coastal patrol vessels, and support ships.
The Irish Defence Forces procure most of their equipment from other European countries. No major acquisitions or development programs are currently underway.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service is voluntary in Ireland. The minimum age for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force is 18 years, with no upper age limit for most positions. The Reserve Defence Force accepts recruits between 18 and 55 years old.
Military Deployments
Ireland contributes troops to various United Nations peacekeeping missions, including:
- UNDOF (Golan Heights): Around 130 personnel
- UNIFIL (Lebanon): Around 330 personnel
- MINUSMA (Mali): Around 20 personnel
Irish personnel also serve in NATO-led missions, EU missions, and other international security operations.
Strategic Military Notes
Ireland’s defense strategy prioritizes territorial defense, aid to civil authorities in emergencies, and participation in international peacekeeping missions under UN mandates. The country pursues a policy of military neutrality and does not belong to any military alliances.
The Irish Defence Forces play an important role in international peacekeeping, contributing troops and resources to various UN and EU missions worldwide. Ireland has a long-standing commitment to promoting global peace and security through multilateral cooperation and conflict resolution.
- Armed Forces Size: 9500. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 3.31
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 62.10%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.