Ireland Ireland vs Netherlands Netherlands development indicators, 2024

Indicator
Ireland
Ireland, Value
Netherlands
Netherlands, Value
Ireland
Ireland, Rank
Netherlands
Netherlands, Rank
Ireland Ireland as % of
Netherlands Netherlands
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP) 148 84.1 5 11 175 %
GDP per capita (current US$) 107,316 68,219 3 12 157 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$) 131,175 84,218 3 11 156 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP) 105 72 7 20 146 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) 2.11 3.35 109 65 63.1 %
Net migration 39,059 121,628 28 17 32.1 %
Population, total 5,380,257 17,994,237 120 71 29.9 %

Demography and Health

In terms of demographic indicators in 2023, Ireland has a higher birth rate of 10.3 per 1,000 people compared to the Netherlands' 9.2, ranking 13th globally versus the Netherlands' 36th. However, Ireland's death rate is lower at 6.6 per 1,000 people, while the Netherlands experiences a higher rate of 9.5, positioning Ireland at 80th and the Netherlands at 62nd. Life expectancy at birth is fairly similar, with Ireland at 82.9 years (ranked 12th) and the Netherlands at 81.9 years (ranked 25th). Regarding child mortality, Ireland outperforms the Netherlands with a lower under-5 mortality rate of 3.8 compared to 4, ranking 28th versus 22nd respectively. Irish health expenditure as a percentage of GDP is lower at 6.1%, compared to the Netherlands' higher 10.1%, demonstrating a different approach to healthcare financing.

Economy

In economic terms, both countries exhibit strong GDP metrics. As of 2024, Ireland's GDP per capita stands at an impressive $107,316, ranking 5th globally, significantly higher than the Netherlands’ $68,219, which ranks 12th. Using purchasing power parity (PPP), Ireland also ranks higher with $131,175 against the Netherlands’ $84,218 (6th and 9th respectively). Ireland demonstrates a robust export-oriented economy, with exports accounting for 148% of its GDP compared to the Netherlands' 84.1%, ranking 5th versus 31st. Meanwhile, the imports of goods and services as a percentage of GDP are 105% for Ireland and 72% for the Netherlands, marking Ireland at 8th and the Netherlands at 43rd. Inflation rates are lower in Ireland (2.1%) compared to the Netherlands (3.3%), where Ireland ranks 91st in inflation.

Trade and Investment

In trade efficiency, Ireland leads with high-technology exports valued at $91.4 billion, ranking 11th, while the Netherlands exceeds this with $111 billion, positioning it 5th globally. The logistics performance index in 2022 reflects quality trade infrastructure, with Ireland at 3.5 (16th) and the Netherlands at 4.2 (2nd), highlighting the Netherlands’ superior logistics capability. With a focus on innovation, Ireland shows limited patent applications at 75, whereas the Netherlands leads with 2,080, reflecting its robust intellectual property environment and innovation ecosystem.

Governance and Institutions

Governance in both countries shows strengths, with both having similar government effectiveness scores of 1.6. However, the Netherlands scores marginally higher in regulatory quality (1.8 versus Ireland's 1.7) and control of corruption (1.9 for the Netherlands versus 1.6 for Ireland). Ireland excels in political stability (0.9) compared to the Netherlands (0.7), ranking 12th and 44th respectively. Yet, Ireland's military expenditure is notably lower at $1.3 billion against the Netherlands’ $16.6 billion, indicating different defense spending priorities.

Infrastructure and Technology

In terms of technological access, both countries show high internet usage, with Ireland at 96.5% and the Netherlands at 97% of the population. This reflects a strong digital infrastructure in both nations. However, their infrastructure quality varies: Ireland ranks 16th in logistics performance while the Netherlands ranks 2nd, further emphasizing the latter's superior transport efficiency.

Environment and Sustainability

When considering environmental metrics, both countries demonstrate efforts in renewable energy consumption, with Ireland at 12.7% and the Netherlands at 12.2%. Ireland faces more significant water stress, with 22.2% of freshwater withdrawal relative to available resources, compared to the Netherlands' 16.1%, indicating a higher risk of water scarcity for Ireland. Furthermore, Ireland produces 10.9 tons of CO2e per capita, contrasting with 8.4 tons for the Netherlands, showcasing a disparity in greenhouse gas emissions. Research and development expenditure as a percentage of GDP is notably higher in the Netherlands (2.3%) compared to Ireland's 1%, signaling a stronger commitment to sustainable innovations in Dutch policy.