Ireland Ireland vs Malta Malta development indicators, 2024

Indicator
Ireland
Ireland, Value
Malta
Malta, Value
Ireland
Ireland, Rank
Malta
Malta, Rank
Ireland Ireland as % of
Malta Malta
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP) 148 123 5 6 120 %
GDP per capita (current US$) 107,316 42,347 3 27 253 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$) 131,175 67,364 3 24 195 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP) 105 106 7 6 99.3 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) 2.11 1.65 109 123 128 %
Net migration 39,059 6,323 28 52 618 %
Population, total 5,380,257 574,346 120 170 937 %

Demography and Health

Ireland and Malta exhibit notable differences in demographic indicators and health outcomes. Ireland's crude birth rate stands at 10.3 per 1,000 people, compared to Malta's lower rate of 8.1, ranking 13th globally versus 59th. In terms of death rates, Ireland reports 6.6 per 1,000, slightly lower than Malta's 7.3, ranking 80th compared to Malta's 73rd. Life expectancy at birth in Ireland is 82.9 years, whereas Malta leads with 83.5 years, positioning itself third worldwide. Ireland demonstrates a lower under-5 mortality rate of 3.8 per 1,000 live births, ranking 28th, while Malta performs better at 5.5, ranking 12th. The challenges of undernourishment are similar, with both countries reporting a prevalence of 2.5%. However, Ireland faces a higher poverty headcount ratio at 14%, compared to Malta’s 16.7%. The healthcare frameworks reveal contrasting dynamics, with current health expenditure as a percentage of GDP at 6.1% for Ireland and a significant 9.5% for Malta, displaying varying investment levels in health services.

Economy

Economically, Ireland significantly outshines Malta. With a GDP per capita of $107,316, Ireland ranks 5th globally, while Malta's GDP per capita is $42,347, placing it 40th. Additionally, Ireland’s GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP) stands at $131,175, again far exceeding Malta's $67,364 and ranking 6th compared to Malta's 27th. Exports of goods and services represent a striking 148% of GDP for Ireland, showcasing a robust export-driven economy and positioning Ireland as 5th globally, while Malta's 123% ranks it 11th. Ireland also excels in high-technology exports, valued at $91.4 billion, versus Malta's minimal $1.2 billion.

Trade and Investment

In terms of trade, both countries have a healthy balance of imports and exports, with Ireland's imports at 105% of GDP slightly below Malta's 106%, ranking them 8th and 7th, respectively. Illicit dealings and economic regulations are also addressed through various indicators. Both exhibit differences in inflation rates, with Ireland facing at 2.1% and Malta at 1.7%, positioning them at 91st and 99th globally. The economic attractiveness of Ireland is further underlined by its net migration figures, with a net influx of 39,059 people, while Malta sees a much lower net migration of 6,323, placing them at ranks 43rd and 75th in migration trends.

Governance and Institutions

Governance and institutional quality between Ireland and Malta highlight pronounced disparities. Ireland boasts a control of corruption score of 1.6, ranking it 21st, significantly better than Malta's score of 0.1, which places it 69th. Similarly, in government effectiveness, Ireland ranks 14th with a score of 1.6, while Malta’s score of 0.4 ranks it 68th. Regulatory quality is another stronghold for Ireland, scoring 1.7 and ranking 11th compared to Malta's 0.7 and 61st rank. Both countries show similar political stability and absence of violence/terrorism, scoring 0.9, but Ireland leads in rank at 12th versus Malta's 19th.

Infrastructure and Technology

Infrastructure and technology represent another significant dividing line. With 96.5% of the population using the Internet, Ireland ranks 11th in digital connectivity, whereas Malta, at 92.1%, ranks 34th. The logistics performance index, measuring trade and transport-related infrastructure, indicates Ireland at a score of 3.5, 16th globally, while Malta surpasses slightly with 3.7, ranking 11th. Patent applications also highlight a disparity in innovation, with Ireland's residents filing 75 applications versus Malta's 5, ranking 24th versus 26th respectively.

Environment and Sustainability

In environmental metrics, Ireland performs strongly with a low level of water stress, using only 22.2% of its available freshwater resources, ranking 10th compared to Malta's critical situation at 78.3%, placing it first among the most stressed. However, in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, Ireland's emissions are higher at 10.9 tons per capita compared to Malta's 3.7 tons per capita, indicating a significant environmental impact from industrial and economic activities. Renewable energy consumption represents another area of effort, with Ireland using 12.7% of its total final energy consumption from renewables, ranking 24th, while Malta is behind at 8.6%, ranking 27th. Overall, while both countries show commitment to sustainability, Ireland presents a more favorable picture in key areas.