Why is ppp gdp the 1st thing people quote when listing the richest countries ?
I personally think per capita Real GDP is the best measurement, but think the United Nations Human Development Index is a better overall measure. It uses a mesh of per capita GDP, life expectancy, and levels of educational attainment to measure a nation’s overall well-being. However, the CIA and other bodies use PPP because it gives you an idea of what may be purchased in that nation, so helps make it easier for the layman to make comparisons about standards of living. But, to paraphrase essayist PJ O’Rourke, PPP is like like telling people they are poor, but its ok, because you live in a crappy neighborhood. Hope that helps.
