Map Of The Irish Diaspora In The World

Map created by Maps.InterludeThe map above shows the Irish Diaspora in the world, which includes Irish people living overseas and the far larger group who can claim Irish ancestry.

It’s one of the most interesting groups in the world as 50-80 million people worldwide claim some sort of Irish ancestry.

Yet the island of Ireland (Republic + Northern Ireland) only has a population of around 7 million, meaning there is around a 10:1 ratio of Irish living outside of Ireland as on it.

Here are the estimated numbers by country:

1. USA: 33,000,000
2. UK: 6,000,000
3. Canada: 4,600,000
4. Australia: 2,500,000
5. Argentina: 700,000
6. New Zealand: 600,000
7. Uruguay: 150,000
8. Chile: 126,000
9. Brazil: 100,000
10. South Africa: 100,000
11. Germany: 40,000
12. France: 25,000
13. Spain: 20,000
14. Peru: 18,000
15. Belgium: 15,000
16. Netherlands: 12,000
17. Colombia: 10,000
18. Mexico: 10,000
19. Switzerland: 6,000
20. Portugal: 5,000
21. Italy: 3,700
22. Sweden: 3,500

Why did the Irish leave Ireland is such large numbers?

The large-scale emigration of Irish people from Ireland, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, was driven by a combination of social, economic, and political factors. Here are the main reasons:

1. The Great Famine (1845-1852)

• The most significant and tragic cause of mass emigration was the Great Famine, also known as the Irish Potato Famine. A potato blight destroyed the primary food source for a large portion of the population, leading to widespread hunger and death. Over a million people died, and another million emigrated to escape starvation and poverty.

2. Poverty and Unemployment

• Even before the famine, Ireland was plagued by severe poverty and unemployment. The country was predominantly agrarian, with most of the land owned by a small group of wealthy landlords. Many Irish people lived as tenant farmers, paying rent for the land they worked on, often under harsh conditions that left them vulnerable to eviction.

3. Land Reforms and Evictions

• The system of land ownership was highly exploitative. When tenants could not pay rent, they were often evicted, leaving them homeless. Land reforms in the late 19th century aimed to reduce the power of landlords, but by then, emigration had become an established escape route for many.

4. Lack of Industrial Development

• Unlike Britain, Ireland did not undergo significant industrial development, leading to fewer job opportunities. The economic stagnation pushed many to seek better prospects abroad, especially in the rapidly industrializing cities of the United States, Canada, and Australia.

5. Political Oppression and British Rule

• Ireland was under British rule for centuries, during which time the Irish experienced political oppression, religious discrimination (especially against Catholics), and economic exploitation. Many Irish saw emigration as an escape from these oppressive conditions.

6. Search for Better Opportunities

• The promise of land, work, and a better life in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia was a powerful draw. Letters from emigrants who had already settled abroad often spoke of higher wages, available land, and more opportunities, encouraging others to follow.

7. Population Growth and Overcrowding

• Before the famine, Ireland’s population had grown rapidly, putting a strain on resources. Overcrowded living conditions, coupled with limited agricultural land and economic opportunities, made emigration a practical choice for many families.

8. Chain Migration

• Once a few members of a family or community had emigrated, they often sent money and letters back home, encouraging others to join them. This pattern, known as chain migration, fueled continuous waves of Irish emigration over decades.

Other Diaspora Maps in the series:

• Map Showing The Italian Diaspora & Immigrants By Country
• Japanese Diaspora & Immigrants By Country
• Map Of The Mongolian Diaspora In The World
• British Diaspora: Absolute Numbers & Share Of The Population
• Brazilian Diaspora & Immigrants By Country

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