Why People are Leaving World's Richest Country?

*Ireland's Economic Paradox: Why 70% of Young Citizens Want to Leave*

Ireland, once one of Europe's poorest countries, has surprisingly become the world's richest nation. However, beneath the surface, a stark reality exists: 70% of Ireland's youth (18-24 years old) want to permanently leave their homeland. To understand this phenomenon, we must explore Ireland's remarkable economic transformation and the underlying issues that plague its citizens.

*From Poverty to Prosperity*

In the 19th century, Ireland faced devastating poverty, hunger, and death, particularly during the Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852), which claimed one million lives. After gaining independence from the British Empire in 1922, Ireland's fortunes remained stagnant until joining the European Economic Community in 1973. This move allowed Ireland to attract foreign businesses, leveraging low taxes and access to European markets.

*The Celtic Tiger*

Ireland's economy flourished, earning the nickname "Celtic Tiger." The financial crisis of 2008 briefly halted growth, but Ireland responded by reducing taxes to zero, attracting highly skilled workers and becoming Europe's Silicon Valley.

*Discrepancy Between GDP and Standard of Living*

Despite Ireland's impressive GDP, other statistics reveal a different story:

1. Average annual salary: lower than Scandinavian countries and equal to Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria, despite Ireland's higher GDP.
2. Household disposable income: 17th in the world, indicating a significant disparity between economic growth and citizens' standard of living.

*Artificially Inflated GDP*

Ireland's GDP is boosted by foreign companies' profits, which are largely repatriated, and employment of foreign workers in high-paying tech jobs. Meanwhile, most Irish citizens work in lower-paying agricultural, retail, and mining industries.

*Challenges Facing Ireland*

1. *Housing crisis*: Poor policies and low supply have driven house prices up, making it difficult for citizens to afford housing.
2. *Overcrowded healthcare*: Doctors emigrate for better salaries, leaving remaining medical professionals overburdened and patients on lengthy waiting lists.

*A Fragile Economic Model*

Ireland's reliance on foreign investment and low taxes may not be sustainable. When taxes inevitably rise, foreign companies may depart, exposing Ireland's economic vulnerabilities.

*Conclusion*

Ireland's economic success story masks underlying issues. To ensure long-term prosperity, the country must focus on strengthening domestic industries and addressing housing, healthcare, and income disparities.

*Sources:*

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