This profile is one of a series of documents produced by Kildare County Development Board as part of the process of reviewing its activities and planning for the future. In producing the profile the board examined the social, economic, cultural and recreational trends that reflect the County in which we live. A detailed analysis of this information provided the basis from which the future work of the board was planned, Kildare County Development Board Action Plan 2006-2008. A major finding of this report has been the emergence of the urban-rural complexities that exist in County Kildare. While many of these complexities pose great opportunities for the County and strengthen the diverse environment Kildare offers, they also present a broad range of challenges that need to be addressed in a co-ordinated and integrated manner. This document provides a basis from which the work of statutory and voluntary agencies in Kildare can be planned, and provides a solid validation for focusing our work in areas that experience disadvantage and on those who experience isolation and social exclusion. It gives us clear indicators of quality of life issues that affect citizens in Kildare and highlights the needs and gaps that exist. Kildare County Development Board created a vision in 2002, with the launch of Kildare 2012, A Social, Cultural & Economic Strategy. This profile marks an important step in realising that vision and provides the foundation from which we can target and focus our resources on issues of most need. It is a valuable resource that can be used by all agencies on the County Development Board in planning and co-ordinating service delivery so as to ensure that Kildare becomes the first choice as a place to live, learn, work, visit and do business.