Latvians consume less than most Europeans / Article

In 2023, actual individual consumption (AIC) per capita expressed in purchasing power standards (PPS) varied from 70% to 138% of the EU average across the 27 EU countries. AIC includes all goods and services that households use, irrespective of whether they were purchased and paid for by households directly, by government, or by nonprofit organizations. It can be considered as an indicator of the material welfare of households.

In 2023, 10 EU countries recorded AIC per capita above the EU average. The highest levels were recorded in Luxembourg (38% above the EU average), Austria and the Netherlands (both 17%). 

Meanwhile, 17 EU countries recorded AIC per capita below the EU average, with the lowest levels recorded in Hungary (30% below the EU average), Bulgaria (27%), Slovakia and Latvia (both 25%).

When it comes to gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, the well-known measure of economic activity, there were also substantial differences across the EU members.

GDP per capita above the EU average was recorded in 11 EU countries. It was highest in Luxembourg (139% higher than the EU average), Ireland (111%) and the Netherlands (30%). At the other end of the range, the lowest GDP per capita was recorded in Bulgaria (36% below the EU average), Greece (33%) and Latvia (29%).    

Tell us about a mistake