Spain vs France development indicators, 2024

Indicator	Spain, Value	France, Value	Spain, Rank	France, Rank	Spain as % of France
Current account balance (% of GDP)	3.03	0.392	32	49	774 %
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)	37.3	33.2	66	75	112 %
Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP)	1.89	1.75	58	63	108 %
GDP per capita (current US$)	35,297	46,150	34	26	76.5 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$)	56,926	61,322	32	28	92.8 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)	33	34	87	85	97.2 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %)	2.77	2	90	114	139 %
Net migration	111,674	90,527	18	20	123 %
Population, total	48,807,137	68,516,699	32	23	71.2 %

Demography and Health

Spain and France exhibit notable differences in demographic indicators. Spain has a crude birth rate of 6.7 per 1,000 people compared to France's higher rate of 9.9, which indicates a declining population growth in Spain. In terms of death rates, Spain's is slightly lower at 9.0 compared to France's 9.2. When examining life expectancy, Spain excels with an impressive 83.9 years, ranking first globally, while France follows at 82.9 years. The under-5 mortality rate reflects a better performance by Spain with 3.1 deaths per 1,000 live births against France's 4.3. Spain also enjoys a lower suicide mortality rate at 8.7 per 100,000 residents, while France presents a concerning rate of 16.6. On the aspect of healthcare resources, Spain has 4.5 physicians per 1,000 people outpacing France's 3.3.

Economy

The economic landscape of Spain and France is characterized by various indicators. Spain's GDP per capita stands at $35,297, significantly less than France's $46,150, representing a 51st and 37th global rank respectively. However, when it comes to purchasing power parity (PPP), Spain's GDP per capita at $56,926 nearly matches France's $61,322. Spain's economy is quite active in exports, contributing 37.3% of its GDP, which outperforms France's 33.2%. Yet, Spain has a lower inflation rate of 2.8% compared to France's 2.0%, indicating a slightly more stable price environment. Unemployment is an area of concern for Spain, with a rate of 12.2%, whereas France has a lower unemployment rate at 7.3%.

Trade and Investment

In terms of trade and investment, Spain leads with a higher percentage of exports of goods and services compared to its GDP at 37.3%, while France's figure is notably lower at 33.2%. However, Spain's foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows are slightly higher at 1.9% of GDP compared to 1.8% for France. In terms of imports, both countries have similar ratios, with Spain at 33% and France at 34%. The current account balance indicates Spain has a healthier figure at 3%, contrasting with France's 0.4%. Spain also excels with higher high-technology exports totaling $25.8 billion compared to France's $115.3 billion despite having a lower overall export value.

Governance and Institutions

Governance and institutional metrics reveal significant disparities between Spain and France. In terms of control of corruption, Spain scores 0.6 while France is markedly better at 1.2. Similarly, governance effectiveness is stronger in France at 1.1 compared to Spain's 0.8. The rule of law is slightly more developed in France (1.2) than in Spain (0.8), indicating a better functioning judicial system. Political stability is equal for both nations at 0.3, but regulatory quality is better in France at 1.2 compared to Spain's 0.7. Additionally, France’s military expenditure at $61.3 billion is starkly higher than Spain’s $23.7 billion, reflecting a stronger defense budget.

Infrastructure and Technology

Both Spain and France perform similarly on the logistics performance index, achieving a rating of 3.8, which suggests comparable quality in trade and transport-related infrastructure. However, Spain excels in internet connectivity, with 95.4% of the population using the internet, compared to just 86.8% in France. Research and development expenditure as a percentage of GDP shows Spain investing 1.4% while France allocates a more significant 2.2%, reflecting a higher commitment to innovation and technological advancement in France.

Environment and Sustainability

In environmental metrics, both countries show the same prevalence of undernourishment at 2.5%. However, Spain faces a more significant challenge regarding water stress, with 43.3% of its freshwater resources being withdrawn compared to France's 21.6%. Renewable energy consumption is higher in Spain, accounting for 19% while France relies on 16.2%. On the greenhouse gas emissions front, both countries are closely aligned, with Spain emitting 5.9 tons of CO2 equivalent per capita and France at 5.6 tons. These figures highlight both nations' efforts to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.