Bulgaria Bulgaria vs Netherlands Netherlands development indicators, 2024

Indicator
Bulgaria
Bulgaria, Value
Netherlands
Netherlands, Value
Bulgaria
Bulgaria, Rank
Netherlands
Netherlands, Rank
Bulgaria Bulgaria as % of
Netherlands Netherlands
Current account balance (% of GDP) -1.79 9.92 71 10
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP) 55.8 84.1 33 11 66.3 %
Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP) 3.12 -1.1 40 101
GDP per capita (current US$) 17,412 68,219 62 12 25.5 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$) 41,086 84,218 56 11 48.8 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP) 53.5 72 49 20 74.2 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) 2.45 3.35 97 65 73.1 %
Net migration 524 121,628 74 17 0.431 %
Population, total 6,444,366 17,994,237 110 71 35.8 %

Demography and Health

Bulgaria and the Netherlands present contrasting demographic and health indicators. In 2023, Bulgaria reported a crude birth rate of 8.9 per 1,000 people, slightly below the Netherlands' 9.2. However, Bulgaria faces a significantly higher death rate, with 15.7 per 1,000 people compared to the Netherlands' 9.5, positioning Bulgaria 9th in global ranking for death rates, while the Netherlands is ranked 62nd. Life expectancy in Bulgaria stands at 75.7 years, considerably lower than the 81.9 years in the Netherlands. The infant mortality rate is also troubling; Bulgaria has a mortality rate of 6.1 per 1,000 live births, higher than the Dutch rate of 4. Although both countries exhibit a prevalence of undernourishment at 2.5% of the population in 2022, Bulgaria's health expenditure as a percentage of GDP is relatively low at 7.7%, compared to the Netherlands' 10.1%. These statistics indicate more challenges in health and demographic factors for Bulgaria.

Economy

The economic landscape in Bulgaria reveals a lower GDP per capita of $17,412 in 2024, starkly juxtaposed with the Netherlands' GDP per capita of $68,219. When looking at purchasing power parity (PPP), Bulgaria’s GDP per capita is $41,086, still below the Netherlands' $84,218. Notably, Bulgaria's exports of goods and services constitute 55.8% of its GDP, ranking 68th globally, while the Netherlands boasts a significantly higher rate of 84.1% and a 31st rank. Inflation rates are lower in Bulgaria at 2.4% compared to the Netherlands' 3.3%, demonstrating better economic stability at present. However, Bulgaria's foreign direct investment net inflows as a percentage of GDP stands at 3.1%, opposed to the Netherlands' -1.1%. The economic performance of the Netherlands is superior across several key indicators, both in terms of per capita income and export efficiency.

Trade and Investment

The trade landscape displays stark differences between the two countries. Bulgaria's reliance on exports accounts for 55.8% of its GDP in 2024, indicating a strong emphasis on trade, though it ranks comparatively low at 68. The Netherlands excels with its exports constituting 84.1% of GDP and ranks 31st globally. The import rates are also notable; Bulgaria’s imports represent 53.5% of its GDP, whereas the Netherlands' imports are at 72%. This lens indicates Bulgaria's trade engagement is robust, but the Netherlands maintains a broader integration into global markets. In terms of net foreign direct investment, Bulgaria receives 3.1% of GDP, while the Netherlands experiences a net outflow at -1.1%, highlighting differing investment patterns and a more established investor base in the Netherlands.

Governance and Institutions

Governance indicators reflect significant disparities between Bulgaria and the Netherlands. Bulgaria's scores are relatively low in transparency and effectiveness, with a Control of Corruption index at -0.1 and a Government Effectiveness score of 0. These place Bulgaria at ranks 79 and 76 respectively. The Netherlands, in sharp contrast, scores 1.9 for Control of Corruption and 1.6 for Government Effectiveness, ranked 14th and 11th globally. Factors such as Political Stability (0.3 for Bulgaria vs. 0.7 for the Netherlands) and Regulatory Quality (0.4 for Bulgaria, 1.8 for the Netherlands) further highlight the institutional strength of the Netherlands compared to the vulnerabilities in Bulgaria’s governance framework. This systemic disparity influences economic confidence and citizen well-being.

Infrastructure and Technology

Infrastructure and technology are pivotal for economic growth, and here, the Netherlands emerges as a leader. The Logistics Performance Index indicates superior infrastructure quality in the Netherlands with a score of 4.2, compared to Bulgaria’s score of 3.1. Internet usage also reveals a digital divide, with 80.4% of the Bulgarian population using the Internet as of 2023, far behind the Netherlands, where the figure stands at 97%. Furthermore, the research and development expenditure as a percentage of GDP reflects a commitment to technological advancement, with Bulgaria allocating 0.8% while the Netherlands invests 2.3%. This focus on R&D in the Netherlands strengthens its innovative sector and overall economic resilience.

Environment and Sustainability

Both countries face environmental challenges, though they strategically approach sustainability differently. Bulgaria maintains a higher renewable energy consumption rate at 20.4% of total final energy use compared to the Netherlands' 12.2%. However, Bulgaria grapples with water stress, withdrawing 37.5% of its freshwater resources, ranking high at 4th globally, suggesting potential sustainability issues. The Netherlands, having a score of 16.1%, ranks lower in this regard. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, Bulgaria's per capita emissions are at 8.3 tons of CO2e against the Netherlands' 8.4 tons, indicating similar levels of environmental impact. While Bulgaria shows promise in renewable energy, the broader resource management issues may outweigh those benefits.