Spain vs Portugal development indicators, 2024

Demography and Health

In terms of demography, Spain has a lower birth rate with 6.7 births per 1,000 people compared to Portugal’s 8.1, which ranks Spain at 79 and Portugal at 59. The death rate is also lower in Spain at 9 per 1,000 people against 11.2 in Portugal, giving Spain a rank of 66 compared to Portugal's 38. Life expectancy is higher in Spain, with an average of 83.9 years, making it rank 1 globally, whereas Portugal's life expectancy is at 82.3 years, ranking 20th. The mortality rate for children under five is marginally lower in Spain at 3.1 compared to Portugal’s 3.2. Spain has a higher number of physicians with 4.5 per 1,000 people compared to Portugal’s 5.8. However, Portugal reports a higher suicide mortality rate at 11.5 per 100,000 population compared to Spain’s 8.7. Net migration shows Spain attracting significantly more individuals with 111,674 against Portugal's 20,648.

Economy

Spain's GDP per capita in 2024 stands at $35,297, while Portugal's is lower at $28,844, making Spain rank 51 compared to Portugal's 65. When adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), Spain also fares better with $56,926 versus Portugal's $50,617. Exports of goods and services represent a smaller portion of Spain's GDP at 37.3% compared to Portugal's 46.5%. Conversely, Spain's imports are lower at 33% of GDP compared to Portugal's 44.7%. In terms of inflation, Spain experiences a rate of 2.8% versus Portugal’s 2.4%. This suggests Spain's economic indicators are robust but show room for improvement in trade dynamics.

Trade and Investment

With respect to trade and investment, Spain's foreign direct investment (net inflows) is lower at 1.9% of GDP, compared to Portugal's 4.3%, indicating Portugal is more attractive for foreign investments. Conversely, Spain’s high-technology exports reach $25.8 billion versus Portugal's mere $4.2 billion, showcasing Spain's stronger position in high-tech sectors. Current account balance as a percentage of GDP is more favorable for Spain at 3% compared to Portugal's 2.2%. This points to a relatively stronger trade surplus on the part of Spain, which may indicate better external economic conditions.

Governance and Institutions

In terms of governance, Portugal appears slightly more effective with a government effectiveness score of 1 compared to Spain's 0.8. On the matter of control of corruption, Spain ranks at 50 with a score of 0.6, while Portugal scores 0.7, ranking 45th. In political stability, Spain's score of 0.3 places it at a rank of 78, while Portugal ranks 37 with a score of 0.7. Regulatory quality also sees Portugal slightly ahead with a score of 0.8 against Spain's 0.7. The rule of law is stronger in Portugal at 1.1 compared to Spain’s 0.8, indicating Portugal’s legal frameworks may be more reliable.

Infrastructure and Technology

Spain has a marginally higher logistics performance index score of 3.8 compared to Portugal's 3.6, suggesting better quality in trade and transport-related infrastructure. Internet usage is also more prevalent in Spain, with 95.4% of the population having access compared to 85.8% in Portugal, indicating better digital infrastructure in Spain. However, both countries show room for improvement in their research and development expenditure, with Spain at 1.4% and Portugal at 1.7% of GDP; hence, innovation capabilities can be further enhanced in both nations.

Environment and Sustainability

On environmental issues, Spain’s renewable energy consumption stands at 19%, while Portugal leads significantly with 32.3%. This substantial difference indicates Portugal’s commitment to sustainable energy practices. However, concerning total greenhouse gas emissions, Spain emits 5.9 tons per capita compared to Portugal's 5 tons, ranking Spain 67 and Portugal 76 in this area. The water stress indicator shows Spain with a concerning 43.3% freshwater withdrawal while Portugal maintains a healthier figure at 12.3%, reflecting Portugal's better management of water resources.