Population Comparison: Northern Ireland vs. The Republic of Ireland

On the island of Ireland, there are approximately 7 million people, with the Republic of Ireland having just over 5.2 million and Northern Ireland comprising around 1.9 million.

Overview of Population Figures

According to the latest statistics, the Republic of Ireland is home to about 5.5 million people. It encompasses a total of twenty-six counties with this population spread out across the region. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, has a population of around 1.98 million. This region is composed of six counties.

Geographical and Population Details

Both regions have distinct characteristics in terms of area and population density. The Republic of Ireland spans an area of 70,273 square kilometers (27,133 square miles), while Northern Ireland covers 14,130 square kilometers (5,460 square miles). These figures help provide a clearer picture of the relative sizes of the two regions.

Population Estimates and Metro Areas

Looking at population estimates, the Republic of Ireland currently has a population of around 5,011,500, compared to Northern Ireland's approximately 1,908,250. To give some context, the largest city in the Republic of Ireland, Dublin, has an estimated metro area population of 1,228,000 as of the 2020 census. In contrast, Belfast, the largest city in Northern Ireland, has a population of around 630,632.

Considering the size of the Republic and Northern Ireland, it's understandable why the population of the Republic is significantly higher. The urban centers of both regions also contribute to the disparity in population numbers, with Dublin having nearly twice the metro area population compared to Belfast.

Conclusion

When comparing Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the population differences are clear and can be attributed largely to geographical size and urbanization. The Republic of Ireland's larger territory and concentration of urban populations naturally lead to a higher overall population.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which region has a larger population?
A: The Republic of Ireland has a larger population, currently estimated at around 5.5 million, compared to Northern Ireland's approximately 1.98 million.

Q: How much larger is the Republic of Ireland in terms of area?
A: The Republic of Ireland is four times larger in area, spanning 70,273 square kilometers (27,133 square miles) compared to Northern Ireland's 14,130 square kilometers (5,460 square miles).

Q: Which city has the largest metro area population?
A: Dublin, the capital city of the Republic of Ireland, has the largest metro area population, with an estimated 1,228,000 people as of 2020.