Ireland Ireland vs Sweden Sweden development indicators, 2024

Indicator
Ireland
Ireland, Value
Sweden
Sweden, Value
Ireland
Ireland, Rank
Sweden
Sweden, Rank
Ireland Ireland as % of
Sweden Sweden
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP) 148 54.6 5 34 270 %
GDP per capita (current US$) 107,316 57,723 3 14 186 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$) 131,175 71,030 3 23 185 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP) 105 50.2 7 56 210 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) 2.11 2.84 109 88 74.5 %
Net migration 39,059 50,115 28 24 77.9 %
Population, total 5,380,257 10,569,709 120 92 50.9 %

Demography and Health

In terms of demographic indicators, Ireland presents a higher birth rate (10.3 per 1,000 people) compared to Sweden (9.5 per 1,000 people), ranking 13th globally against Sweden's 28th rank. Conversely, Sweden has a higher life expectancy at birth (83.3 years) than Ireland's 82.9 years, with Sweden ranking 5th and Ireland 12th. On health metrics, Ireland has a lower under-5 mortality rate (3.8 per 1,000 live births), ranking 28th compared to Sweden's more favorable rate of 2.5, which ranks 67th. Both countries have the same prevalence of undernourishment at 2.5%. Furthermore, Ireland's suicide mortality rate is lower at 8.6 per 100,000 population, ranked 22nd compared to Sweden's 13.8, which ranks 11th. The net migration figures show Ireland experiencing net migration of 39,059 and Sweden with 50,115, ranking Ireland 43rd and Sweden 36th respectively.

Economy

Economically, Ireland exhibits a far superior GDP per capita (current US$) of $107,316 compared to Sweden's $57,723, ranking 5th versus Sweden's 18th. In terms of purchasing power parity, Ireland also boasts a GDP per capita of $131,175 against Sweden's $71,030, securing the 6th and 18th ranks respectively. Expansive export dynamics are evident as Ireland shows significant exports of goods and services at 148% of GDP, placing it 5th, whereas Sweden's exports stand at 54.6%, putting it at rank 70. Similarly, Ireland's imports also surpass Sweden's, with 105% of GDP compared to Sweden's 50.2%, ranking Ireland 8th and Sweden 77th. Inflation levels are lower in Ireland at 2.1% compared to Sweden's 2.8%.

Trade and Investment

High-technology exports reveal further economic strength for Ireland with $91.4 billion compared to Sweden's $25.2 billion, ranking 11th for Ireland and 28th for Sweden. A notable distinction is seen in research and development expenditure where Ireland invests 1% of its GDP, significantly less than Sweden's 3.4%, ranking Ireland 43rd versus Sweden’s 1st. This investment gap may suggest a potential future impact on innovation and competitiveness. Patent applications highlight Ireland’s position with 75 applications compared to Sweden's impressive 1,771, underscoring Sweden's strength in fostering technological innovation.

Governance and Institutions

On governance metrics, both countries demonstrate effectiveness in government, though with slight differences in rankings. Ireland's Control of Corruption is reported at 1.6, ranking 21st, with Sweden at a higher 2, ranked 9th. Similarly, both countries exhibit the same score of 1.6 for Government Effectiveness but differ in ranks—Ireland 14th and Sweden 13th. Regulatory Quality grants Ireland a rank of 11th while Sweden ranks 14th. Political Stability and Absence of Violence indicate Ireland (0.9) has a marginally higher rating than Sweden (0.8), with ranks of 12th and 27th respectively. Although Ireland has a high military expenditure of $1.3 billion, it ranks 61st, while Sweden leads significantly at $8.8 billion, ranking 19th.

Infrastructure and Technology

In terms of technological access, both countries report high internet usage, with Ireland at 96.5% of the population and Sweden at 95.7%, with ranks of 11th and 13th respectively. Regarding logistics performance, however, Ireland ranks lower (16th) with a score of 3.5 compared to Sweden's superior performance (2nd) with a score of 4.2, indicative of better trade and transport-related infrastructure in Sweden that can enhance its competitiveness.

Environment and Sustainability

Environmental indicators highlight Sweden's commitment to sustainable energy, consuming 57.9% of total final energy from renewable sources, ranking 1st globally, while Ireland is far behind at 12.7%, ranking 24th. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, Ireland stands at 10.9 tons CO2e per capita (ranked 11th) compared to Sweden’s much lower emissions of 4.7 tons (ranked 78th), indicating a stronger environmental performance in Sweden. Additionally, the level of water stress presents a stark contrast, as Ireland has 22.2%, ranking 10th, compared to Sweden's 3.6%, ranking 23rd. This could suggest better management of freshwater resources in Sweden, enhancing its environmental sustainability profile.