Spain vs Ireland development indicators, 2024

Demography and Health

In 2023, Spain reported a birth rate of 6.7 per 1,000 people, lower than Ireland's 10.3, indicating a trend towards an aging population in Spain. Conversely, the death rate in Spain stands at 9 per 1,000 compared to Ireland's 6.6, reflecting Spain's higher mortality. Life expectancy is slightly higher in Spain at 83.9 years versus Ireland's 82.9 years. The under-5 mortality rate is relatively close, with Spain at 3.1 and Ireland at 3.8. Both countries have similar undernourishment prevalence at 2.5%. In terms of health infrastructure, Spain has a higher current health expenditure at 9.7% of GDP against Ireland's 6.1%, alongside a greater number of physicians per 1,000 people, with Spain at 4.5 compared to Ireland's 4.1.

Economy

Spain's GDP per capita is significantly lower than Ireland's, standing at $35,297 versus Ireland's $107,316 in 2024. Both countries exhibit notable differences in the export of goods and services, with Spain at 37.3% of GDP while Ireland leads with a remarkable 148%. The imports of goods and services are higher for Ireland as well, at 105% compared to Spain's 33%. Inflation rates are slightly higher in Spain at 2.8% compared to Ireland's 2.1%. While Spain’s high-technology exports amount to $25.8 billion, Ireland has a substantial edge with $91.4 billion, highlighting Ireland's pivotal role in tech industries.

Trade and Investment

In terms of trade dynamics, Ireland is a leader in high-technology exports, demonstrating a robust economy driven by international investment. Spain's exports of goods and services constitute a more modest 37.3% of GDP, indicating reliance on internal consumption and services. The balance of trade shows evident differences, as Ireland's impressive trade performance positions it 5th globally, while Spain ranks significantly lower. Foreign direct investment has been consistently stronger in Ireland, owing to favorable corporate tax rates and business-friendly policies, making it a hub for multinational corporations.

Governance and Institutions

Ireland outperforms Spain in various governance indicators, including control of corruption and government effectiveness, with scores of 1.6 compared to Spain's 0.6 and 0.8 respectively. This reflects Ireland's stable political environment and effective administrative functions, ranking it 14th in government effectiveness as opposed to Spain's 51st. Political stability metrics also favor Ireland, which ranks 12th compared to Spain’s 78th position, illustrating a more secure governance framework. Regulatory quality and rule of law indices further reiterate Ireland’s stronger institutional frameworks, ranking 11th and 18th respectively.

Infrastructure and Technology

Spain has a higher logistics performance index at 3.8 compared to Ireland's 3.5, which indicates that Spain has relatively better trade and transport-related infrastructure. However, both nations have embraced technology, with over 95% of their populations using the Internet, reflecting a high level of digital engagement. Spain’s focus on enhancing technological capabilities can be seen in its research and development expenditure, which is 1.4% of GDP, surpassing Ireland's 1%.

Environment and Sustainability

Spain shows a greater commitment to renewable energy consumption, with 19% of its final energy coming from renewable sources, while Ireland’s stands at 12.7%. On the other hand, Ireland has a lower level of water stress, utilizing 22.2% of its freshwater resources compared to Spain's 43.3%. As for greenhouse gas emissions, Spain emits 5.9 tons of CO2 per capita, which is lower than Ireland's 10.9 tons, suggesting that Spain has a relatively better profile in terms of emissions.