‘Third world’ is a common phrase used to describe poor countries where much of the population live in poverty. Actually, the term originates from the 1950s and was used during the Cold War to refer to nations not aligned with the First and Second Worlds of American capitalism and Soviet Communism. However, from the 1990s onwards, third world was used to describe countries racked by poverty, conflict, and crises.
For much of the 20th Century, the Republic of Ireland was considered one of the poorest countries in northern Europe. Decades ago, some might even have described it as a third world country. But what about today? Would it be correct to say that Ireland is a third country? Definitely not, and let us explain why…
1. Ireland Is A Rich Country
A first reason why the Republic of Ireland is not a third world country is because Ireland is wealthy by global standards.
Third world countries are poor – this is one of their defining factors. Countries across the third world have high rates of poverty and often have a large percentage of their populations living in destitution. Ireland is not a third world country because it has low rates of poverty.
Ireland is one of the wealthiest countries globally. It has a per capita income of 79,450 USD. This gives it the second richest population in the world. The fact that Ireland is among the wealthiest nations is a clear indication that it is not in the third world.
It’s important to note that although Ireland is a wealthy nation, there still poor Irish people, and 4.3% of the population are estimated to live in poverty. However, the poverty experienced in Ireland is far above that found in third world countries. Also, the Irish state is able to provide basic services to its poor population, including healthcare, education, and support with housing and financial assistance. This means that poor people in Ireland still live significantly better than those in third world countries.
High rates of extreme poverty are one of the things that makes a country third world. As Ireland is a wealthy country where people have a high standard of living, it cannot be considered as a third world nation.
2. Ireland Has A Developed Economy
A second reason why Ireland is not a third world country is because its economy is developed.
Countries in the third world lack developed economies. This means their economic outputs are limited and they struggle to grow their economic size. Across the third world, nations lack technologically advanced industries, strong businesses, and an adequate manufacturing base. This means they often rely on more basic industries, such as agriculture or resource extraction, which in-turn limits their ability to become wealthy.
Ireland is the 29th largest economy in the world. This may not sound impressive, but for a small country with a population of only five million, it shows that Ireland’s economy is highly advanced.
With a highly advanced and diversified economy, it is clear Ireland it not in the third world. Major industries including financial services, computer sciences, technology manufacturing, food and beverages and tourism not only allow the Irish economy to grow, but also provide good quality jobs to Irish people. The country utilises advanced technology to increase its economic outputs and has a widespread and well-equipped manufacturing sector. Irelands economy does not rely on only one or two economic sectors to produce wealth, as is the case in many third world countries.
3. The Country Has Good Infrastructure
A third reason why Ireland is not a third world country is because it has good infrastructure.
Third world countries lack the quality infrastructure they need. Often their roads, railways, airports, tele-communication networks and utilities are in poor condition or outdated. Many third countries also fail to build new infrastructure to support their economies, often meaning people struggle with poor quality built environments.
Across the Republic of Ireland there is quality infrastructure. The country has an expansive road network that reaches all communities. There is also a rail network connecting major towns and cities. The Republic of Ireland has four airports, which is impressive for a small country. The phone network reaches across all of Ireland and high-speed internet is widely available. Irish people have access to clean water, electricity, and heating.
A country’s infrastructure is a key marker of its development. Third world countries either lack infrastructure or what they have is outdated and insufficient. Ireland has world class infrastructure, and this is a major reason why it is not a third world country.
4. Ireland Has A World Class Health Service
Another reason why Ireland is not in the third world is because of the quality of the country’s healthcare sector.
Third world countries are poor. This means they lack the resources to provide high quality healthcare to their populations. Governments in third world countries cannot raise the revenue needed to run good clinics and hospitals, and people are generally too poor to pay for the healthcare they need themselves. This means many people in third world countries go without the medical care they need.
Ireland has a high standard of healthcare and Irish people can access free, or low cost, medical treatment when they need it. The Irish state subsidies healthcare, further increasing its accessibility.
A clear demonstration of the quality of Irish healthcare is the country’s child mortality rate. In Ireland, only two of 1000 babies die before the age of five. Across third world countries, the average child mortality rate is 37 in every 1000. Another indicator that shows the high standard of Irish healthcare is the country’s life expectancy – which is 82. This is way above the third world average of 65.
The quality, and accessibility, of healthcare in Ireland is a major reason why it is not a third world country.
5. Irish Children Receive Quality Education
A further reason why Ireland is not a third world country is because it has a good education system.
As well as lacking the resources to provide quality healthcare to people, third world countries also often lack the ability to ensure their children receive a good education. Governments of third world countries do not have the financial capacity to run high-quality schools. This is especially true in rural and remote areas. Hundreds of millions of children across the third world do not receive an education and many that do receive poor quality or limited schooling.
Ireland has a high standard of education. All children in Ireland receive free schooling from ages six to sixteen. Ireland has a high child literacy rate meaning that almost every young person in the country has a decent level of education. This is a key reason why Ireland is not a third world country.
As well as quality elementary and secondary schooling, Ireland has some of the world’s best universities. 60% of young people in Ireland obtain a degree. Higher education is subsisted by the Irish state meaning that it is highly accessible. This is very different to third world countries, where few people are able to go to university.
6. The Country Is A Democracy
An important reason why Ireland is not a third world country is because it is a democracy.
The third world is plagued with autocracies, dictatorships, and a lack of full democracies. Countries in the third world often experience coups, seizures of power and political crises. Very few third world countries have regular free and fair elections. Governments in the third world often lack accountability and transparency – this is actually a major factor that keeps them poor.
Ireland has been a democracy since 1937 and this is a big reason why it is not a third world country. Irish people can elect their governments in regular elections, which are properly held and transparent. Ireland often sees changes in governments as political parties are voted in and out by the electorate. The government in Ireland is accountable to the people and lacks corruption and nepotism. Politicians in Ireland, although sometimes unpopular, do generally work in the interests of the nation and its people.
As a stable democracy, Ireland is very different from many third world countries. The quality of the country’s political system is a key reason why it is not in the third world.
7. Ireland Is A Stable Country
A final reason why Ireland is not a third world country is because of its stability.
Third world countries often experience instability. Political and economic crises are common across the third world. Third world countries are also more susceptible to natural disasters and conflicts, meaning they experience more humanitarian crises. Governments in third world countries lack the resources needed to address these challenges, meaning they must call upon the international community in order to help people affected.
Ireland is a stable country. Although the nation does see economic and political turmoil, this does not disrupt the operation of the state and the country has the resources needed to resolve issues internally. Ireland has some history of conflict, with a civil war fought soon after gaining independence from Britain in the 1920s, and some spill over from the Northern Ireland Troubles in the late 20th Century. However, this violence has not been widespread. Ireland is not susceptible to natural disasters, unlike many third world countries.
The instability of third world countries is a major factor that prevents them from becoming wealthy. As Ireland is a highly stable country, it cannot be considered as in the third world.