Republic of Ireland - Demographics

Demographics

Genetic research suggests that the first settlers of Ireland migrated from Iberia following the most recent ice age. After the Mesolithic, the Neolithic and Bronze Age, migrants introduced Celtic language and culture. Migrants from the Neolithic to Bronze Age still represent the genetic heritage of most Irish people. Gaelic tradition expanded throughout the island and became the dominant form. Irish people are mainly of Gaelic ancestry, and some of Norse, Anglo-Norman, English, Scottish, French, and Welsh ancestry. Irish Travellers are classified as a "social group" in Ireland, but are an "ethnic minority group" in the United Kingdom, politically linked with Roma and Gypsy groups.

Ireland had one of the fastest growing populations in Europe from 2004–2006, with annual growth rates exceeding 2%. This can be attributed to low death rates, high birth rates and immigration. The birth rate is currently over double the death rate, which is highly unusual among western European countries. As of April 2011 the population of Ireland stands at 4,581,269.

In the 2006 census, the total population was 4,239,848, an increase of 322,645 since 2002. The country had 419,733 foreign nationals, not including 1,318 people with 'no nationality' and 44,279 with no stated nationality. 89% of the population was Irish, followed by British (112,548), Polish (63,276), and Lithuanian (24,628). 94.8% was recorded as having a 'White' ethnic or cultural background. 1.1% had a 'Black or Black Irish' background, 1.3% had an 'Asian or Asian Irish' background, and 1.7% of the population's background was 'not stated'.

The average annual growth rate of 2% was the highest on record. The population of Leinster and Munster grew by 8.9% and 6.5% respectively, while the population decline of the Connacht region and Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan counties halted.