Comment by blululu

The Irish famine is roughly comparable to other famines of the 19th century in terms of its mortality rate (i.e. Mysore in the 1870s). A true comparison is difficult since there were not accurate census figures in most famine prone regions but the rate is comparable (Ireland is on the high side but it was still comparable within the margin of error). What is unique about the Irish famine is that modern day Ireland’s population is still about 25% lower now than it was in the eve of the famine 180 years ago. I can’t think of any other place that depopulated like that.