[Article] We pay most for booze, but still end up with small beer

We pay most for booze, but still end up with small beer
From:The Irish Independent
Tuesday, 16th September, 2003
David Murphy Deputy Business Editor

THE Irish spend more on alcohol than any other nationality, according to a new book published by 'The Economist' magazine.

The 'World in Figures', which is published later this month, says we fork out $1,335.50 (€1,183.10) on drink per head annually.

Ireland is followed by the UK, at $901.80 (€797.94) each. No 3 is Finland at $458.70 (€404.99). The Finns spend less than one-third of the Irish figure.

Despite the large amounts we pay for alcohol, Ireland fails to gain the list of countries which drink large amounts of beer. However, we consume 8.6 litres of wine per capita, making us the 22nd biggest drinkers of that beverage.

We don't smoke as much as many other countries. Greece has the highest consumption of cigarettes per head at 8.6 per day, while Ireland ranks at 20 with 4.9 cigarettes per capita.

Despite our reputation as a strongly Catholic country, Ireland has the lowest level of marriages per head of population, at 2.1 weddings for every 1,000 people.

Bermuda has the highest number of marriages at 15.7 but it also ranks at number five for divorces, with 3.7 break-ups per 1,000.

Despite Ireland's green image, we have high levels of carbon dioxide emissions. The country is ranked the 14th largest producer per head of the greenhouse gas.

We also have 349 cars for every 1,000 people, which puts Ireland at 27 in the car ownership league. Top of the list is Lebanon. Somalians own only 0.1 cars per 1,000 people.

Ireland scores reasonably well on global competitiveness and is ranked No 14 based on the openness of the economy, growth of financial markets, quality of infrastructure and political institutions.

On the business environment, which assesses hindrances to enterprise, Ireland comes 10th. The country is 22nd in terms of innovation and technology.

The 'Celtic Tiger' made the country the fourth fastest growing economy between 1991-2001. No 1 was Bosnia, which grew by 22pc between 1995 and 2001, while Ireland grew 7.1pc over the decade.

Ireland also ranks 10th on gross domestic product per head at $26,410 (€23,364).

The cost of taking on an employee in Ireland puts us 14th on a list of the most expensive countries. Top of the list is Japan.

Despite our on-going tribunals, Ireland is ranked as the 23rd least corrupt nation in the world, with Finland topping the list.

In terms of womens' representation in the workforce, Ireland comes in at 17 while Australia boasts the largest proportion of females at work.