Bulgaria Bulgaria vs Ireland Ireland development indicators, 2024

Indicator
Bulgaria
Bulgaria, Value
Ireland
Ireland, Value
Bulgaria
Bulgaria, Rank
Ireland
Ireland, Rank
Bulgaria Bulgaria as % of
Ireland Ireland
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP) 55.8 148 33 5 37.8 %
GDP per capita (current US$) 17,412 107,316 62 3 16.2 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$) 41,086 131,175 56 3 31.3 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP) 53.5 105 49 7 50.7 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) 2.45 2.11 97 109 116 %
Net migration 524 39,059 74 28 1.34 %
Population, total 6,444,366 5,380,257 110 120 120 %

Demography and Health

Bulgaria and Ireland present contrasting demographic characteristics. Bulgaria's crude birth rate stands at 8.9 per 1,000 people, slightly lower than Ireland's 10.3, ranking 45th compared to Ireland's 13th. However, Bulgaria faces a higher death rate of 15.7 per 1,000, significantly surpassing Ireland's 6.6, which ranks it 9th globally and highlights demographic challenges like an aging population. Life expectancy in Bulgaria is at 75.7 years, notably lower than Ireland's 82.9 years, which ranks 12th worldwide. Additionally, Bulgaria's under-5 mortality rate of 6.1 per 1,000 live births indicates stronger child health challenges compared to Ireland's 3.8. Despite these issues, both countries show a low prevalence of undernourishment at 2.5%. With a net migration of 524 in Bulgaria, compared to a substantial 39,059 in Ireland, migration patterns suggest Ireland is more attractive for global talent.

Economy

The economic landscape of Bulgaria and Ireland reveals significant disparities. Bulgaria's GDP per capita is $17,412, ranking 103rd, while Ireland boasts an impressive $107,316, ranking 5th. In terms of GDP per capita (PPP), Bulgaria's $41,086 again lags behind Ireland's $131,175. Ireland's economy benefits from a reliance on high-technology exports, amassing $91.4 billion, whereas Bulgaria's high-tech exports are significantly lower at $3.2 billion. Inflation rates are comparable, with Bulgaria at 2.4% and Ireland at 2.1%. The unemployment rates are equal at 4.3%, indicating relatively similar labor market conditions.

Trade and Investment

Trade dynamics illustrate Bulgaria’s heavy reliance on exports, accounting for 55.8% of its GDP, yet it still ranks 68th globally, far behind Ireland's staggering 148% exports of GDP, which reflects its position as a global trading hub. Imports for Bulgaria are also high at 53.5% of GDP, ranking 68th, while Ireland’s imports reach 105% of GDP (rank 8), indicating a highly integrated trading environment. Foreign investment metrics like patent applications highlight Bulgaria's innovative potential with 165 applications compared to Ireland's 75, although the ranks are close at 18th and 24th respectively.

Governance and Institutions

When analyzing governance, Ireland outperforms Bulgaria in multiple areas. Control of corruption is significantly higher in Ireland (1.6) than Bulgaria (-0.1), with ranks of 21st and 79th respectively. Government effectiveness in Ireland stands at 1.6, while Bulgaria ranks lower with a score of 0, indicating challenges in public service delivery and governance quality. Political stability is also stronger in Ireland (0.9, rank 12) compared to Bulgaria (0.3, rank 74). Regulatory quality is a strong point for Ireland at 1.7 (rank 11) compared to Bulgaria’s 0.4 (rank 75), illustrating more favorable business conditions in Ireland.

Infrastructure and Technology

In terms of infrastructure, Bulgaria scores 3.1 on the logistics performance index, ranking 22nd, whereas Ireland’s score of 3.5 places it at 16th, indicating better trade and transport-related infrastructure in Ireland. Internet usage in Bulgaria is relatively good at 80.4%, but lags behind Ireland’s impressive 96.5%. This suggests a digital divide that may impact economic growth and innovation potentials in Bulgaria.

Environment and Sustainability

On environmental metrics, Bulgaria shows a commitment to renewable energy, with 20.4% of total energy consumption from renewable sources, ranking 14th, while Ireland, at 12.7%, ranks 24th. However, Bulgaria grapples with higher freshwater stress levels at 37.5% compared to Ireland’s 22.2%. Greenhouse gas emissions per capita are lower in Bulgaria at 8.3 tons compared to Ireland's 10.9 tons, highlighting Bulgaria's relative efficiency in emissions production, despite facing more significant water resource challenges.