The total value of all final goods and services produced by a country’s factors of production, regardless of location, within a specific time period, usually one year, is a key economic indicator. It differs from gross domestic product, which measures the value of goods and services produced within a country’s borders. For example, if a U.S. company manufactures products in another country, the value of those products is included in the U.S.’s calculation, but not in the host nation’s calculation.
This metric offers insights into a nation’s overall economic activity and the contribution of its citizens and businesses to global production. It is beneficial for understanding the economic impact of multinational corporations and the flow of income across international borders. Historically, it was a primary measure of a nation’s economic output, providing a broader view than purely domestic figures, before gross domestic product became the more widely used standard.