UPSC Prelims 2003 Q75: Indian Economy – National Income & Economic Growth
Which one among the following countries has the lowest GDP per capita?
- (a) China
- (b) India
- (c) Indonesia
- (d) Sri Lanka
Answer: (b) India
Explanation
Lowest GDP per capita among Asian economies
| Country | GDP per capita (about 2002, US dollars) |
|---|---|
| India | About 470, the lowest |
| Indonesia | About 700 |
| Sri Lanka | About 850 |
| China | About 920 |
Among the four countries, India had the lowest GDP per capita, about half of China's and Sri Lanka's at the time, and below Indonesia's as well.
Answer: (b) India.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. China's per capita GDP was about 920 dollars.
- (b) CORRECT. India's was about 470 dollars, the lowest.
- (c) Incorrect. Indonesia's was about 700 dollars.
- (d) Incorrect. Sri Lanka's was about 850 dollars.
Key point
Per capita: Sri Lanka and China about double India's then.
Remember
India had a lower GDP per capita than China, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Indonesia because of its crisis.
- Mixing GDP per capita with total GDP.
- Forgetting that India's population is large.
Exam tip
Per capita figures: divide GDP by population.
Sources
- World Bank — World Development Indicators
- World Bank — World Development Report 2003: Sustainable Development in a Dynamic World