Ireland is Europe's Richest Country. Why Doesn't it Feel That Way?
Simon Whistler · July 17, 2025 · 29 min video · Europe & NATO
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From the transcript
Ireland is one of the richest countries on Earth. It's got a GDP per capita of over 100,000 euros. It outperforms economic superpowers the world over.
Its economy grew more in 2015 than most of continental Europe did in a decade. The statistics are simply undeniable. This small island achieved one of history's most spectacular economic transformations, rising from poverty to become wealthier than the United States, Japan, nor just about anywhere else.
Yet if you spend time throughout the country, you'll see a different story. Roughly 6 in 10 citizens report struggling financially. A housing crisis has spiraled out of control, and young professionals are racking up credit card debt just to afford groceries.
This transcript was generated automatically and may contain errors.
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About this briefing
Ireland boasts the highest GDP per capita in Europe—but with soaring housing costs, stagnant wages, and deep generational divides, most citizens aren’t feeling the wealth. Discover the story behind the stats.
