Croatia Croatia vs Ireland Ireland development indicators, 2024

Indicator
Croatia
Croatia, Value
Ireland
Ireland, Value
Croatia
Croatia, Rank
Ireland
Ireland, Rank
Croatia Croatia as % of
Ireland Ireland
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP) 49.8 148 39 5 33.7 %
GDP per capita (current US$) 23,931 107,316 50 3 22.3 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$) 48,575 131,175 46 3 37 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP) 52.9 105 52 7 50.2 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) 2.97 2.11 80 109 141 %
Net migration -5,186 39,059 139 28
Population, total 3,866,300 5,380,257 129 120 71.9 %

Demography and Health

Croatia has a birth rate of 8.3 per 1,000 people, which is lower than Ireland's 10.3 and ranked 54th compared to Ireland's 13th. Conversely, Croatia experiences a higher death rate, at 13.3 per 1,000 people, compared to Ireland's 6.6, resulting in ranks of 21 and 80, respectively. In terms of life expectancy, Croatians can expect to live an average of 78.5 years, with Ireland leading at 82.9 years. Addressing child health, Croatia has a mortality rate under five years of 4.6 per 1,000 live births, slightly higher than Ireland's 3.8. Both countries experience a prevalence of undernourishment at 2.5% of their populations, indicating a relatively stable food security situation in both nations. Croatia, however, faces a net migration loss of 5,186 people in 2024, while Ireland welcomes a net migration gain of 39,059, suggesting differing demographic trends and opportunities.

Economy

Croatia's GDP per capita stands at $23,931 compared to Ireland's significantly higher figure of $107,316, ranking 80th and 5th globally. When evaluating GDP per capita on a purchasing power parity basis, Croatia values at $48,575 against Ireland's $131,175, maintaining similar ranks. The economy's reliance on exports is notable, with Croatia exporting 49.8% of its GDP, while Ireland's exports are much higher at 148%, leading to a rank difference of 74th versus 5th. In terms of high-technology exports, Croatia's $1.7 billion is a stark contrast to Ireland’s $91.4 billion, again highlighting a disparity in their technological export capabilities.

Trade and Investment

The import levels in Croatia are also significant, comprising 52.9% of its GDP compared to Ireland’s 105%, indicating a reliance on foreign goods in comparison to the overall economic fabric. The consumer price inflation rate reflects Croatia's rising economic pressures at 3%, while Ireland experiences a lower inflation rate of 2.1%, suggesting economic stability in Ireland. Croatia’s poverty headcount ratio is relatively high at 18%, versus Ireland's 14%, indicating different socioeconomic challenges, such as poverty levels impacting the population's economic well-being.

Governance and Institutions

Evaluation of governance reveals Croatia facing challenges with a Control of Corruption index of 0.2 versus Ireland’s 1.6, ranked 67th and 21st. The Government Effectiveness score also favors Ireland, with both standing at 0.7 for Croatia against Ireland's 1.6. This disparity indicates differing levels of bureaucratic efficiency and governance quality. Political stability is moderately good for both countries, with Croatia at 0.6 and Ireland at 0.9, ranking 50th and 12th respectively. More concerning for Croatia is the Rule of Law index at 0.4 which places it in a weaker position compared to Ireland at 1.6, suggesting stronger enforcement of laws and justice mechanisms in Ireland.

Infrastructure and Technology

In terms of infrastructure, both nations' Logistics Performance Index shows Croatia at 3, which is lower than Ireland’s 3.5, indicating a gap in the effectiveness of their transport and related logistics infrastructures. The technology sector shows a positive aspect for Croatia, with 83.2% of the population using the Internet, compared to Ireland's 96.5%, indicating that while both countries are increasingly digital, Ireland is more connected. Croatia similarly has made advances in research and development, representing 1.4% of GDP, outpacing Ireland's 1%, illustrating Croatian efforts in innovation.

Environment and Sustainability

Croatia leads in the renewable energy consumption category with 34.1%, compared to Ireland's much lower 12.7%. In terms of environmental pressures, total greenhouse gas emissions per capita are lower in Croatia at 6.5 tons CO2 equivalent compared to Ireland at 10.9 tons, indicating better carbon footprint management in Croatia. However, water stress levels show Croatia withdrawing 1.5% of its freshwater resources, while Ireland, facing significant pressure, has a withdrawal rate of 22.2%, placing Croatia more favorably in water resource management. This disparity reflects varying commitment levels to sustainability and long-term environmental stewardship.