Photo: derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 06 of 18 · Country Index 2026
Ireland: Development & Human Capital
Is a country turning its resources into better lives?
Ireland is placed 6th of 196 countries on development & human capital in the Country Index 2026, from 3 of its 3 key statistics. Readings behind it: Social Protection Coverage 100 (2025); Maternal Mortality Ratio 3.79 (2023).
Share
Development & Human Capital
6th
of 196 countries placed
Placed from 3 of 3 key statistics
01The evidence
The 3 key statistics that decide it
Only these place Ireland on development & human capital — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used — or, for a survey-based key, each country’s latest reading; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
Key 2 of 3
Maternal Mortality Ratio
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG)
2023 edition · data for 2023 · CC BY 3.0 IGO
3.79
Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Lower is better
Ireland: 3.79. Across the 195 countries in this edition, values run from 0.11 (Cook Islands) to 992.83 (Nigeria); the world median is 46.65.
- World median
- 46.65
- Best in Northern Europe
- 1.31 Norway
- Land neighbours
- United Kingdom 8.31
Key 3 of 3
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
2023 edition · data for 2023 · CC BY 3.0 IGO
0.949
HDI score (0–1)
Higher is better
Ranked 11th of 193 by UNDP Human Development Report Office
Ireland: 0.949. Across the 193 countries in this edition, values run from 0.388 (South Sudan) to 0.972 (Iceland); the world median is 0.762.
- World median
- 0.762
- Best in Northern Europe
- 0.972 Iceland
- Land neighbours
- United Kingdom 0.946
02Over time
Which way Ireland is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
Maternal Mortality Ratio
Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births · lower is better
IrelandWorld median
Ireland fell from 8.04 in 2000 to 3.79 in 2023; the world median went from 70.99 to 46.65.
Every year’s figures
Year Ireland World median 2023 3.79 46.7 2022 6.80 53.0 2021 5.75 76.6 2020 5.59 56.0 2019 4.28 48.4 2018 4.71 49.3 2017 4.24 47.2 2016 4.36 50.6 2015 4.72 51.9 2014 4.74 52.8 2013 5.02 53.3 2012 5.71 54.6 2011 6.22 55.0 2010 5.51 56.1 2009 6.06 56.3 2008 6.34 55.8 2007 5.64 56.8 2006 5.98 58.1 2005 6.33 60.1 2004 6.20 63.0 2003 5.96 66.8 2002 6.76 66.0 2001 7.37 68.1 2000 8.04 71.0 Human Development Index
HDI score (0–1) · higher is better
IrelandWorld median
Ireland rose from 0.869 in 2000 to 0.949 in 2023; the world median went from 0.672 to 0.762.
Every year’s figures
Year Ireland World median 2023 0.949 0.7620 2022 0.947 0.7610 2021 0.946 0.7450 2020 0.948 0.7425 2019 0.947 0.7515 2018 0.944 0.7520 2017 0.941 0.7480 2016 0.936 0.7500 2015 0.931 0.7430 2014 0.921 0.7410 2013 0.915 0.7390 2012 0.911 0.7350 2011 0.909 0.7250 2010 0.915 0.7250 2009 0.907 0.7220 2008 0.907 0.7180 2007 0.911 0.7100 2006 0.908 0.7045 2005 0.905 0.6960 2004 0.899 0.6960 2003 0.891 0.6910 2002 0.883 0.6845 2001 0.876 0.6770 2000 0.869 0.6720
03In context
Ireland beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 196 countries on development & human capital, never a place within the region.
Ireland and the countries it borders
Standing among all 196; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | Social Protection CoveragePopulation covered by at least one social protection benefit (%) | Maternal Mortality RatioMaternal deaths per 100,000 live births | Human Development IndexHDI score (0–1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 6th | 100 | 3.79 | 0.949 |
 United Kingdom | 25th | 93.6 | 8.31 | 0.946 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Northern Europe
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 196.
Placed either side on development & human capital
The countries immediately above and below Ireland in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where Ireland is ahead of the world, and behind
46 more statistics filed under development & human capital, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median40
Statistics on which Ireland does better than the middle country measured.
GDP per Capita (PPP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 17,265131,33817,265▲ Improved since 2015
Ireland: 131,338 · world median 17,265 · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1,067 to 139,593; higher is better.
Position 2nd of 185 · derived.
Gender Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 0.9711.0010.971▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 1.001 · world median 0.971 · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.407 to 1.038; higher is better.
Position 3rd of 184 · derived.
Mortality Rate, Ages 5–14UN IGME · 2024 · world median 2.8580.5882.858▲ Improved since 2014
Ireland: 0.588 · world median 2.858 · Deaths between ages 5 and 14 (per 1,000 children aged 5). UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.392 to 59.04; lower is better.
Position 197th of 200 · derived, 1st = worst.
Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 01000No earlier reading
Ireland: 100 · world median 0 · Unemployed people receiving unemployment benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Wasting Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · 2024 · world median 3.5460.43.546No earlier reading
Ireland: 0.4 · world median 3.546 · Children under 5 who are wasted (%). UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.1 to 22.74; lower is better.
Position 157th of 163 · derived, 1st = worst.
Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 13.3419.1813.34No real change since 2013
Ireland: 19.18 · world median 13.34 · Expected years of schooling. UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 5.635 to 21.69; higher is better.
Position 7th of 195 · derived.
Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · world median 12,89060,25712,890▲ Improved since 2012
Ireland: 60,257 · world median 12,890 · GDP per capita (2011 international $). Maddison Project, Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 596.39 to 149,171; higher is better.
Position 7th of 166 · derived.
Human Capital IndexWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 0.5640.7930.564▲ Improved since 2010
Ireland: 0.793 · world median 0.564 · HCI score (0–1). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 0.292 to 0.879; higher is better.
Position 9th of 172 · derived.
Inequality-adjusted Human Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 0.6090.8860.609▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 0.886 · world median 0.609 · IHDI (0–1). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.226 to 0.923; higher is better.
Position 9th of 169 · derived.
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $4.20 a DayWorld Bank Group · 2023 · world median 1.340.081.34▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 0.08 · world median 1.34 · Population below $4.20 a day, 2021 PPP (%). World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.02 to 72.3; lower is better.
Position 56th of 59 · derived, 1st = worst.
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a DayWorld Bank Group · 2023 · world median 7.820.267.82▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 0.26 · world median 7.82 · Population below $8.30 a day, 2021 PPP (%). World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.07 to 93.58; lower is better.
Position 56th of 59 · derived, 1st = worst.
Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 25,230371,23025,230No real change since 2010
Ireland: 371,230 · world median 25,230 · Human capital per person — present value of future earnings (real chained 2019 US$). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 700.38 to 735,422; higher is better.
Position 10th of 151 · derived.
Coefficient of Human InequalityUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 17.056.54817.05▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 6.548 · world median 17.05 · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 4.865 to 43.08; lower is better.
Position 158th of 169 · derived, 1st = worst.
Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 23.7510023.75No earlier reading
Ireland: 100 · world median 23.75 · Children or households with children receiving child or family cash benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Cereal YieldFAO · 2023 · world median 3,0727,0633,072▼ Worsened since 2013
Ireland: 7,063 · world median 3,072 · Cereal yield (kg per hectare). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 23 to 29,147; higher is better.
Position 16th of 179 · derived.
Stillbirth RateUN IGME · 2023 · world median 8.1632.3518.163▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 2.351 · world median 8.163 · Stillbirths (per 1,000 total births). UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 1.18 to 34.9; lower is better.
Position 183rd of 200 · derived, 1st = worst.
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · 2024 · world median 13.82.23613.8No earlier reading
Ireland: 2.236 · world median 13.8 · Children under 5 who are stunted (%). UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.518 to 52.8; lower is better.
Position 148th of 162 · derived, 1st = worst.
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a DayWorld Bank Group · 2023 · world median 0.930.080.93▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 0.08 · world median 0.93 · Population below $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%). World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 54.36; lower is better.
Position 54th of 58 · derived, 1st = worst.
Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · world median 46.6763.946.67▼ Worsened since 2012
Ireland: 63.9 · world median 46.67 · Productive Capacities Index (1–100). UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 17.8 to 71.02; higher is better.
Position 21st of 195 · derived.
Life Expectancy at BirthUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · world median 74.6382.4174.63▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 82.41 · world median 74.63 · Years a newborn would live at current death rates. UN DESA Population Division, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 54.46 to 86.37; higher is better.
Position 24th of 222 · derived.
Gender Inequality IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 0.3510.0540.351▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 0.054 · world median 0.351 · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.003 to 0.838; lower is better.
Ranked 19th of 172 by UNDP Human Development Report Office.
Low Birthweight PrevalenceUNICEF and WHO (Joint Low Birthweight Estimates) · 2020 · world median 10.215.64610.21No real change since 2010
Ireland: 5.646 · world median 10.21 · Live births weighing under 2,500 g (%). UNICEF and WHO (Joint Low Birthweight Estimates), 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 3.993 to 27.44; lower is better.
Position 141st of 158 · derived, 1st = worst.
Prosperity GapWorld Bank Group · 2023 · world median 1.7540.6621.754▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 0.662 · world median 1.754 · Average factor incomes must rise by to reach $28 a day. World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.406 to 12.06; lower is better.
Position 53rd of 60 · derived, 1st = worst.
Account Ownership at a Financial InstitutionWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 72.8398.2972.83▲ Improved since 2014
Ireland: 98.29 · world median 72.83 · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 14.83 to 99.85; higher is better.
Position 18th of 139 · derived.
Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · 2025 · world median 98.410098.4No earlier reading
Ireland: 100 · world median 98.4 · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%). UNICEF, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2.7 to 100; higher is better.
Disability Benefit CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 43.910043.9No earlier reading
Ireland: 100 · world median 43.9 · People with severe disabilities receiving disability benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Under-Five Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · world median 14.543.86314.54▼ Worsened since 2014
Ireland: 3.863 · world median 14.54 · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births). UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.26 to 115.65; lower is better.
Position 171st of 200 · derived, 1st = worst.
Comprehensive Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 46,486375,87646,486No real change since 2010
Ireland: 375,876 · world median 46,486 · National comprehensive wealth per person (real chained 2019 US$). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 4,276 to 1,246,092; higher is better.
Position 23rd of 150 · derived.
Statistical Performance IndicatorsWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 69.388.3269.3▼ Worsened since 2016
Ireland: 88.32 · world median 69.3 · SPI overall score (0–100). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 27.12 to 94.14; higher is better.
Position 29th of 188 · derived.
Poverty Headcount at $3.00 a Day, Line-up EstimatesWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 2.10.082.1▲ Improved since 2014
Ireland: 0.08 · world median 2.1 · Population below $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP, World Bank line-up estimate (%). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 89.54; lower is better.
Multidimensional Poverty MeasureWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 4.2520.4614.252No earlier reading
Ireland: 0.461 · world median 4.252 · Multidimensional poverty headcount ratio (%). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 87.96; lower is better.
Position 133rd of 157 · derived, 1st = worst.
Infant Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · world median 12.263.43212.26▼ Worsened since 2014
Ireland: 3.432 · world median 12.26 · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births). UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.214 to 71.87; lower is better.
Position 167th of 200 · derived, 1st = worst.
Neonatal Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · world median 8.1342.5828.134▼ Worsened since 2014
Ireland: 2.582 · world median 8.134 · Deaths in the first 28 days (per 1,000 live births). UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.544 to 39.47; lower is better.
Position 166th of 200 · derived, 1st = worst.
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 0.6780.7520.678▼ Worsened since 2013
Ireland: 0.752 · world median 0.678 · PHDI (0–1). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.276 to 0.827; higher is better.
Position 30th of 156 · derived.
Poverty Gap at $3.00 a DayWorld Bank Group · 2023 · world median 0.3450.060.345▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 0.06 · world median 0.345 · Poverty gap at $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%). World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 19.95; lower is better.
Position 48th of 59 · derived, 1st = worst.
Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 45.982.845.9No earlier reading
Ireland: 82.8 · world median 45.9 · Labour force covered in the event of a work injury (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Poverty Severity (Squared Poverty Gap) at $3.00 a DayWorld Bank Group · 2023 · world median 0.1850.050.185▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 0.05 · world median 0.185 · Squared poverty gap at $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (0–100). World Bank Group, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 9.74; lower is better.
Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 9.93311.729.933No real change since 2013
Ireland: 11.72 · world median 9.933 · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 1.412 to 14.3; higher is better.
Position 47th of 193 · derived.
Official Development Assistance Given (% of GNI)OECD Development Assistance Committee · 2025 · world median 0.270.420.27▲ Improved since 2018
Ireland: 0.42 · world median 0.27 · ODA given (% of the provider's GNI, grant equivalent). OECD Development Assistance Committee, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.05 to 1.03; higher is better.
Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 80.895.880.8No earlier reading
Ireland: 95.8 · world median 80.8 · People above statutory pensionable age receiving an old-age pension (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Behind the world median3
Statistics on which Ireland does worse than the middle country measured.
Immunisation Coverage, DTP3WUENIC · 2025 · world median 919091▼ Worsened since 2015
Ireland: 90 · world median 91 · Infants given a third dose of DTP vaccine (%). WHO and UNICEF (WUENIC), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 39 to 99; higher is better.
Immunisation Coverage, Measles First Dose (MCV1)WUENIC · 2025 · world median 908790▼ Worsened since 2015
Ireland: 87 · world median 90 · Infants given a first dose of measles vaccine (%). WHO and UNICEF (WUENIC), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 13 to 99; higher is better.
Foundational ID OwnershipWorld Bank Group (ID4D) · 2024 · world median 94.485.3194.4No earlier reading
Ireland: 85.31 · world median 94.4 · Adults who own a foundational ID (% of population aged 15+). World Bank Group (ID4D), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 42.62 to 100; higher is better.
Level with the median, or no median to compare2
Access to ElectricityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 100100100▼ Worsened since 2014
Ireland: 100 · world median 100 · Population with electricity access (%). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 5.4 to 100; higher is better.
Access to Electricity, RuralWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 100100100▼ Worsened since 2014
Ireland: 100 · world median 100 · Rural population with electricity access (%). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.7 to 100; higher is better.
No better end1
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2025 · world median 11.2633.9311.26No real change since 2015
Ireland: 33.93 · world median 11.26 · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.481 to 43.97.
Position 2nd of 132 · derived, counted from the highest value.
No current reading for Ireland
Adequacy of Social Protection and Labour Benefits, Child Marriage, Children with Functional Difficulties, Country Policy and Institutional Assessment, Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months, Global Multidimensional Poverty Index, GNI per Capita (PPP) (last 2024), Malaria Incidence (P. falciparum), Malaria Incidence (P. vivax), Malaria Mortality (P. falciparum), Net Official Development Assistance Received and Violent Discipline of Children. Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Development & Human Capital among Ireland’s 16 topics
Development & Human Capital is Ireland’s best-placed topic of 16. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Development & Human Capital6th of 1963/3 keys
- Democracy & Civil Libertiesjoint 8th of 1984/4 keys
- Governance & Institutionsjoint 10th of 1944/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality9th of 1593/3 keys
- Peace & Security13th of 1774/4 keys
- Food & Agriculture17th of 1844/4 keys
- Economy & Innovation19th of 1764/4 keys
- Risk & Resilience22nd of 1934/4 keys
- Education & Knowledge23rd of 1983/4 keys
- Gender & Equality22nd of 1834/4 keys
- Digital & Technologyjoint 28th of 1984/4 keys
- Mobility & Trade33rd of 1774/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing40th of 2003/4 keys
- Energy41st of 1653/3 keys
- Work & Labourjoint 83rd of 1824/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainability101st of 1863/4 keys
06The top of the list
Who leads on development & human capital
The three countries placed highest of 196, and the leaders Ireland can most readily be measured against.
1
Cook IslandsPolynesia
1st of 196 · 2 of 3 keys
Photo: Benedict Adam · CC BY 2.0, greyscale
2
NorwayNorthern Europe
2nd of 196 · 3 of 3 keys
Photo: Ximonic , Simo Räsänen · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
3
DenmarkNorthern Europe
3rd of 196 · 3 of 3 keys
Photo: User:Aconcagua · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Europe
Norway2nd3/3 keysThis page
Ireland6th3/3 keys
Positions out of 196 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Analysis
Charts and analysis about Ireland and development & human capital
On development & human capital
Global Hunger Index 2025: Countries with the Most Alarming Hunger Crisis
Thirteen countries scored across four editions — 2000, 2008, 2016 and 2025 — and five the report could not score at all. DR Congo and South Sudan share 121st place on 37.5.
On development & human capital
India vs Pakistan 2025: Comparison of Hunger Index, Happiness, HDI, Rule of Law, Literacy & GDP
India and Pakistan on six published measures: hunger, happiness, human development, rule of law, literacy and GDP per capita, each from its own publisher and year.
08Questions
Ireland on development & human capital: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does Ireland rank on development & human capital?
Ireland is placed 6th of 196 countries on Development & Human Capital in the Country Index 2026, from 3 of its 3 key statistics (Social Protection Coverage, Maternal Mortality Ratio and Human Development Index). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest Social Protection Coverage figure for Ireland?
100 in 2025 (population covered by at least one social protection benefit (%)), according to International Labour Organization (ILO). The world median in the same edition was 52.1.
What is the latest Maternal Mortality Ratio figure for Ireland?
3.79 in 2023 (maternal deaths per 100,000 live births), according to UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG). The world median in the same edition was 46.65.
How does Ireland compare with United Kingdom on development & human capital?
United Kingdom is placed 25th of 196, and Ireland 6th. Social Protection Coverage: United Kingdom 93.6, Ireland 100; Maternal Mortality Ratio: United Kingdom 8.31, Ireland 3.79; Human Development Index: United Kingdom 0.946, Ireland 0.949.
How have Ireland’s development & human capital figures changed?
Maternal Mortality Ratio fell from 8.04 in 2000 to 3.79 in 2023; Human Development Index rose from 0.869 in 2000 to 0.949 in 2023.
Which development & human capital statistics are missing for Ireland?
No current reading is published for Ireland on Adequacy of Social Protection and Labour Benefits, Child Marriage, Children with Functional Difficulties, Country Policy and Institutional Assessment, Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months, Global Multidimensional Poverty Index, GNI per Capita (PPP), Malaria Incidence (P. falciparum), Malaria Incidence (P. vivax), Malaria Mortality (P. falciparum), Net Official Development Assistance Received and Violent Discipline of Children. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
09Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
Poverty lines, inequality and aid received are published here as context rather than as keys, often because they cover fewer countries or are measured too rarely. Development is also not the same as economic size or growth, which belong to Economy & Innovation.
How the Development & Human Capital standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 3 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 3 keys to be placed.
The development & human capital method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- Social Protection Coverage — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Maternal Mortality Ratio — UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG), CC BY 3.0 IGO
- Human Development Index — UNDP Human Development Report Office, CC BY 3.0 IGO
The other 46 statistics on this page come from 14 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
Ireland’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Ireland (banner) — derivative work: Jjtkk, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Cook Islands — Benedict Adam, CC BY 2.0
- Norway — Ximonic , Simo Räsänen, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Denmark — User:Aconcagua, CC BY-SA 3.0
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Ireland: Development & Human Capital — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/ireland/development