GDP growth makes Africa look green

No this is not a post on the virtues of a steady state economy. It is also not a post on the green quality of Africa's growth path (will save that for another day).

This is a map on average GDP growth from 1990-2003. The mapmakers ironically chose greener colours for higher growth (couldn't figure out whether South East Asia was dark green or black). Africa has quite a lot of it.

This not the full story. Per capita income looks a lot more colourful, meaning, in this context, a lot worse. This means that most of the economic growth up to 2003 in Africa (with some very notable exceptions) was largely absorbed by a growing population.

Figures are up to 2003 so the recent commodity-based growth surge is not fully included yet.

Notes:


Average annual percentage growth rate of GDP at market prices based on constant local currency. Dollar figures for GDP are converted from domestic currencies using 1995 official exchange rates. GDP is the sum of gross value added by all resident producers in the economy plus any product taxes and minus any subsidies not included in the value of the products.


Per capita gross domestic product (GDP) average annual growth, 1990–2003. Average annual percentage growth rate of GDP per capita at market prices based on constant local currency. Dollar figures for GDP are converted from domestic currencies using 1995 official exchange rates. GDP is the sum of gross value added by all resident producers in the economy plus any product taxes and minus any subsidies not included in the value of the products.

Source: World Bank
Cartographer/designer/author (Philippe Rekacewicz, Emmanuelle Bournay, UNEP/GRID-Arendal)