Chapter 5: Problem 31
Ethiopia has a GDP of \$8 billion (measured in U.S. dollars) and a population of 55 million. costa Rica has a GDP of \(\$ 9\) billion (measured in U.S. dollars) and a population of 4 million. Calculate the per capita GDP for each country and identify which one is higher.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The per capita GDP for Ethiopia is approximately \$145.45, while the per capita GDP for Costa Rica is approximately \$2,250. Therefore, Costa Rica has a higher per capita GDP than Ethiopia.
Step by step solution
01
Gather information
We are given:
- Ethiopia: GDP = \$8 billion, Population = 55 million
- Costa Rica: GDP = \$9 billion, Population = 4 million
#Step 2: Calculate the per capita GDP for Ethiopia#
02
Calculate Ethiopia's per capita GDP
Using the formula for per capita GDP:
Ethiopia's per capita GDP = \(\frac{8 \text{ billion USD}}{55 \text{ million people}}\)
#Step 3: Simplify the calculation for Ethiopia's per capita GDP#
03
Simplify Ethiopia's calculation
To make the calculation simpler, we can rewrite billion as 10^9 and million as 10^6:
Ethiopia's per capita GDP = \(\frac{8 \times 10^9 }{55 \times 10^6}\)
#Step 4: Complete the calculation for Ethiopia's per capita GDP#
04
Final calculation for Ethiopia
Now, we can divide the numbers:
Ethiopia's per capita GDP = \(\frac{8 \times 10^9}{55 \times 10^6}\) = \(\frac{8}{55} \times 10^3\) ≈ \$145.45
#Step 5: Calculate the per capita GDP for Costa Rica#
05
Calculate Costa Rica's per capita GDP
Using the formula for per capita GDP:
Costa Rica's per capita GDP = \(\frac{9 \text{ billion USD}}{4 \text{ million people}}\)
#Step 6: Simplify the calculation for Costa Rica's per capita GDP#
06
Simplify Costa Rica's calculation
To make the calculation simpler, we can rewrite billion as 10^9 and million as 10^6:
Costa Rica's per capita GDP = \(\frac{9 \times 10^9}{4 \times 10^6}\)
#Step 7: Complete the calculation for Costa Rica's per capita GDP#
07
Final calculation for Costa Rica
Now, we can divide the numbers:
Costa Rica's per capita GDP = \(\frac{9 \times 10^9}{4 \times 10^6}\) = \(\frac{9}{4} \times 10^3\) ≈ \$2,250
#Step 8: Compare the per capita GDPs of both countries#
08
Compare and identify the higher per capita GDP
Comparing the per capita GDPs, we see that:
Ethiopia's per capita GDP ≈ \$145.45
Costa Rica's per capita GDP ≈ \$2,250
Costa Rica has a higher per capita GDP than Ethiopia.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, is a measure of the economic activity and health of a country. It sums up the value of all goods and services produced over a set period, typically a year. Understanding GDP is central for assessing economic performance.
When we talk about GDP in monetary terms, it's usually measured in a major currency like the U.S. dollar to make comparisons easier. For example, Ethiopia's GDP was mentioned as 8 billion USD, and Costa Rica's was 9 billion USD. These figures help us identify the scale of the economy.
To calculate GDP, keep in mind these components:
When we talk about GDP in monetary terms, it's usually measured in a major currency like the U.S. dollar to make comparisons easier. For example, Ethiopia's GDP was mentioned as 8 billion USD, and Costa Rica's was 9 billion USD. These figures help us identify the scale of the economy.
To calculate GDP, keep in mind these components:
- Consumer consumption: Goods and services used by the country's residents.
- Government spending: Expenditure on public services and infrastructures.
- Business investments: Capital investments in business ventures.
- Net exports: Exports minus imports to and from other countries.
Population Analysis
Population analysis involves breaking down the number of people in a given area and understanding factors like growth rates and density. It tells us about the size of a population and how it changes over time.
In the context of economic studies, understanding population is crucial. Ethiopia's population is 55 million, while Costa Rica's is 4 million. These figures matter because they influence the per capita GDP - an average of economic output per person.
Here are a few reasons why population analysis is essential:
In the context of economic studies, understanding population is crucial. Ethiopia's population is 55 million, while Costa Rica's is 4 million. These figures matter because they influence the per capita GDP - an average of economic output per person.
Here are a few reasons why population analysis is essential:
- Resource Allocation: Larger populations may need more resources, services, and infrastructures to maintain quality of life.
- Economic Development: Growing populations can contribute to economic growth through increased labor force.
- Consumption Patterns: A nation's consumption needs change with population size and demographics.
Economic Comparison
Economic comparison between countries or regions helps highlight differences in economic well-being and standards of living. It's rooted in comparing metrics like GDP, per capita GDP, and other economic indicators.
The original exercise shows a straightforward method of comparing Ethiopia and Costa Rica by their per capita GDP. Despite Ethiopia having a larger GDP, Costa Rica's smaller population results in a higher per capita GDP. Specifically, Costa Rica's per capita GDP is approximately $2,250, much higher than Ethiopia's $145.45.
Such comparisons highlight:
The original exercise shows a straightforward method of comparing Ethiopia and Costa Rica by their per capita GDP. Despite Ethiopia having a larger GDP, Costa Rica's smaller population results in a higher per capita GDP. Specifically, Costa Rica's per capita GDP is approximately $2,250, much higher than Ethiopia's $145.45.
Such comparisons highlight:
- Income Disparities: Per capita GDP illustrates the economic output each individual essentially receives, displaying the standard of living.
- Economic Priorities: Depending on their economic situation, countries may adjust their focus on different industries and investments.
- Development Strategies: Insights from such comparisons guide countries in planning to improve their economic standing.