France France vs Ireland Ireland development indicators, 2024

Indicator
France
France, Value
Ireland
Ireland, Value
France
France, Rank
Ireland
Ireland, Rank
France France as % of
Ireland Ireland
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP) 33.2 148 75 5 22.5 %
GDP per capita (current US$) 46,150 107,316 26 3 43 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$) 61,322 131,175 28 3 46.7 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP) 34 105 85 7 32.2 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) 2 2.11 114 109 94.6 %
Net migration 90,527 39,059 20 28 232 %
Population, total 68,516,699 5,380,257 23 120 1,273 %

Demography and Health

In 2023, France has a crude birth rate of 9.9 per 1,000 people, slightly lower than Ireland at 10.3 per 1,000, ranking them 19th and 13th, respectively. Concerning death rates, France reports 9.2 per 1,000 people while Ireland has a lower rate of 6.6, with France ranking 65th and Ireland ranking 80th. Both countries have the same life expectancy at birth, which is 82.9 years, showcasing a similar level of health achievement. However, Ireland has a lower under-five mortality rate at 3.8 per 1,000 live births compared to France's 4.3, giving France a ranking of 19th and Ireland 28th. Moreover, France's health expenditure as a percentage of GDP is significantly higher at 11.9% while Ireland's is just 6.1%. This increased spending correlates with France's more extensive healthcare infrastructure but may also reflect higher healthcare costs.

Economy

As of 2024, France's GDP per capita stands at $46,150, whereas Ireland significantly outperforms with a GDP per capita of $107,316, ranking 5th globally compared to France's 37th. In terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), Ireland also leads with $131,175 per capita, compared to France’s $61,322. Despite lower GDP per capita and PPP, France enjoys a significant volume of high-technology exports valued at $115.3 billion, ranking 4th globally, while Ireland's high-tech exports are valued at $91.4 billion, placing it 11th. France's unemployment rate is higher at 7.3% compared to Ireland's 4.3%, indicating a more challenging labor market in France.

Trade and Investment

For 2024, France's exports of goods and services constitute 33.2% of its GDP, while Ireland's exports are extraordinarily high at 148%, ranking 5th worldwide. Conversely, France imports goods and services at 34% of its GDP, which is again lower than Ireland's 105%, demonstrating Ireland's reliance on international trade. The significant discrepancy in trade figures indicates that Ireland’s economy is far more export-driven, likely influenced by its favorable business environment for multinational corporations.

Governance and Institutions

In terms of governance metrics, Ireland generally outperforms France. For example, as of 2023, Ireland has a control of corruption index of 1.6 versus France’s 1.2, placing Ireland 21st while France is 32nd. Additionally, Ireland scores better on government effectiveness with a score of 1.6, ranking 14th, while France has a score of 1.1, ranking 31st. However, France spends significantly more on its military at $61.3 billion compared to Ireland's mere $1.3 billion. Political stability is also a concern for France, scoring 0.3 while Ireland has a score of 0.9, indicating lesser risk of violence and terrorism in Ireland.

Infrastructure and Technology

Looking into infrastructure, France boasts a better logistics performance index of 3.8 than Ireland's 3.5, suggesting that France has superior trade and transport-related infrastructure. However, Ireland excels in technology usage, with 96.5% of its population using the Internet, outperforming France's 86.8%. This higher accessibility suggests that Ireland may have a more digitally engaged society, which could positively influence various economic and social sectors.

Environment and Sustainability

On environmental indicators, France shows a renewable energy consumption rate of 16.2%, more favorable than Ireland's 12.7%, demonstrating France's ongoing commitment to sustainable energy sources. Nevertheless, France has a higher total greenhouse gas emissions per capita at 5.6 tons compared to Ireland's notably higher at 10.9 tons, indicating a greater environmental challenge for Ireland in terms of emissions. France also has a lower level of water stress compared to Ireland, with freshwater withdrawal at 21.6%, whereas Ireland is at 22.2%. Finally, both countries have similar rates of undernourishment at 2.5% of the population, indicating a strong food security level in both nations.