The U.S. Economy's Output is 20% of the World's Total:
The economic power of the United States is matched by no other country around the world. Total output for the U.S. economy in 2010 was $14.6 trillion, one fifth of the world's total output. Although the EU is larger, at $14.8 trillion, it is a collection of countries. China is the second largest, at $10.09 trillion, and Japan is third, at $4.3 trillion. Please note: these comparisons are made using purchasing power parity. (Source: CIA World Factbook, Rank Order GDP)
In fact, the GDP of most countries are the same as many U.S. states. To put these numbers in perspective, check out this map, which shows which country has the same GDP as each state.
The U.S. Economy Provides One of the Highest Standards of Living in the World:
The power of the U.S. economy is seen in its GDP per capita, which was $47,400 in 2010. This effectively measures a country's standard of living. Nine countries have higher GDP per person, but it is only because they are small: Liechenstein, Qater and Luxembourg, to name a few. Although the EU is the world's largest economy, its GDP per capita was only $32,700. (For more, see GDP per Capita)
Think of the incredible economic power it takes to both be the country with the largest economy in the world while producing one of the highest standards of living per person. While other countries, such as Norway and Bermuda, have higher GDP per capita, they aren't also a driver of the global economic engine that the U.S. is.
