Gross national product (GNP) is an economic statistical measure of a countrys economic output. It is a measure of the total value of goods and services produced by a countrys citizens, businesses, and government during a certain period of time. In effect, it is the size of the economy of a country, as measured by its production of goods and services for a certain period of time.
GNP is a broader measure than Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which measures the value of goods and services produced within the boundaries of a country. GDP does not include the income earned from overseas investments and the value of production of goods and service produced outside the boundaries of a country. GNP includes the value of those goods and services produced within the country and abroad, ensuring that all production is counted, no matter where it is physically located.
Typically GNP is used to compare economic output between nations and to gauge the economic health of a nation. A nations GNP per capita, which divides GNP by the population, is a good measure of the overall standard of living for citizens of a country. When comparing GNP per capita across countries, it is important to remember that it does not measure other important components of a nations well-being, such as education, access to healthcare, and so on.
Changes in a nations interest rate, exchange rate and inflation are all factors that can affect its GNP. Recession, or economic contraction, usually leads to a decrease in a nations GNP while economic expansion usually leads to higher levels of production and improved GNP. If a country is unable to sustain economic expansion and continually posts losses, its GNP will stagnate and its citizens may face economic hardship.
When evaluating a nations GNP, economists and analysts look at a variety of economic indicators to assess how a nation is performing. They look at measures of investment, savings, trade, and economic development and compare their trends to those of other nations or regions. For example, a nation may compare its GNP growth rate to other nations in the same region to gauge whether it is performing at a satisfactory level. A nations GNP can also help it to determine if it is meeting its economic and social goals and objectives.
In conclusion, Gross National Product (GNP) is a measure of a nations economic output and determines the size of a country’s economy. It is an important economic indicator and is used both to compare economic output between nations, and for individuals and companies to assess the economic health and potential of a nation. Economic factors, such as interest rates and inflation, have an impact on a nations GNP, and can lead to fluctuations over time. By looking at GNP and other economic performance indicators, nations are able to determine if they are meeting their economic and social goals and objectives.