Ireland Rate of Natural Increase

The rate of natural increase (RNI) in Ireland, which measures the difference between birth rates and death rates, has historically been positive but relatively modest compared to some global averages. In recent years, Ireland’s RNI has hovered around 0.5% per year, reflecting a birth rate that remains higher than its death rate, though both figures have gradually declined. Compared to its closest neighbor, the United Kingdom, Ireland’s RNI is slightly higher, as the UK has experienced lower birth rates and an aging population, leading to a near-zero or even negative RNI in some years. In contrast, other nearby countries such as France have maintained a similarly modest but positive RNI, while countries like Germany have seen negative natural increase due to persistently low birth rates and higher death rates. Thus, Ireland stands out in the region for maintaining a positive, albeit slowing, rate of natural increase, contributing to its steady population growth relative to many Western European neighbors facing stagnation or decline.

Data from US Census International Database