Question

Country A and Country B both recorded an increase in real GDP of 5 percent per year from 1980 to 2012. During this time, the population for Country A grew at 6 percent per year and the population for Country B grew at 4 percent. Which of the following is true during this period?

Answer 1

Answer:

D) per capita GDP decreased for country A only

Explanation:

Per capita GDP is calculated by dividing total GDP by the total population of the country. If the population of the country grows faster than its GDP, then its GDP per capita will decrease.

For example, country A's GDP is $100, and it has 20 citizens, so its GDP per capita for year 1 = $100 / 20 = $5. If the economy grew by 4% and the population grew by 5%, then the GDP per capita on year 2 will = $104 / 21 = $4.95.