🇮🇪Ireland Political Stability: 84.4/100
Ireland scores 84.4 out of 100 on the Political Stability Index, rated "Very Stable" based on World Bank 2023 Worldwide Governance Indicators across six governance dimensions.
Composite score is the unweighted average of six governance dimensions, each measured on a 0-100 percentile scale.
Ireland is located in the north-west of Europe, separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea and the North Channel. The island features a ring of coastal mountains surrounding low plains, with the highest peak being Carrauntoohil at 1,039 meters. The climate is mild and changeable, characterized by frequent rainfall, particularly in the west, which contributes to its lush vegetation, earning it the nickname 'Emerald Isle.'
Ireland has a population of just over 7 million, with approximately 5.1 million in the Republic of Ireland and 1.9 million in Northern Ireland. The largest religious group is Christianity, predominantly Roman Catholicism, which represents over 73% of the population. The two official languages are Irish and English, with a growing number of speakers of Irish in urban areas.
Governance Indicators
Governance Profile: Ireland
World Bank governance: rule of law 89th percentile, corruption control 89th percentile, political stability 63rd percentile.
Ireland's strongest governance dimension is Voice & Accountability at 92/100, placing it in the top quartile globally. This indicates relatively strong citizen participation in selecting government, along with freedom of expression, association, and a free media.
The weakest dimension is Political Stability at 63/100. Political instability concerns may affect the overall security environment and long-term predictability.
A notable 29-point gap between Voice & Accountability and Political Stability reveals uneven governance. Some institutions function well while others lag significantly. Travelers should be aware that the quality of government services and protections may vary depending on the context.
For travelers, Ireland's strong governance indicators translate to reliable public services, transparent regulations, and effective rule of law. Visitors can expect well-maintained infrastructure, responsive emergency services, and clear legal protections.
The U.S. State Department currently rates Ireland as Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions). This aligns with a governance profile that, while not without challenges, provides a baseline of institutional functioning.
EU Governance Comparison
Top governance performers in EU based on the corruption composite ranking (weighted: 60% corruption control, 25% rule of law, 15% government effectiveness).
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| 🇩🇰Denmark | 96.6 |
| 🇫🇮Finland | 95.2 |
| 🇳🇴Norway | 93.9 |
| 🇨🇭Switzerland | 93.8 |
| 🇱🇺Luxembourg | 92.9 |
| 🇮🇪Ireland | 88 |
Common Questions About Ireland's Political Stability
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More Ireland Data
Safety ratings, regional breakdown, and entry requirements.
Free — 97/100 on the Freedom House index.
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