SAARC Country with Highest GDP (PPP) Per Capita in April 2015

This question asks about the country within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) that had the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) per capita, according to the World Economic Outlook (WEO) Database from April 2015.

Understanding GDP (PPP) Per Capita

• GDP (Gross Domestic Product): This is the total value of all goods and services produced within a country in a specific time period.
• PPP (Purchasing Power Parity): This is a theory that compares different countries' currencies through a "basket of goods" approach. It helps to compare economic productivity and standards of living between countries by accounting for differences in price levels.
• Per Capita: This means "per person". GDP per capita is calculated by dividing the total GDP by the total population of a country.

GDP (PPP) per capita is often considered a better measure of living standards than nominal GDP per capita because it accounts for how much people can actually buy with their money in their own country.

SAARC Member Countries

SAARC is a regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of states in South Asia. The member states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Data Source: World Economic Outlook Database, April 2015

The question specifically refers to data from the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) World Economic Outlook (WEO) Database as of April 2015. Economic indicators like GDP (PPP) per capita are regularly updated, and values can change significantly over time. Therefore, it's crucial to refer to the data from the specific time period mentioned.

Comparing GDP (PPP) Per Capita in SAARC (April 2015)

Based on the World Economic Outlook Database, April 2015, we can look at the GDP (PPP) per capita for the SAARC countries. Focusing on the options provided and generally looking at SAARC: Maldives typically has a higher GDP (PPP) per capita compared to most other SAARC nations due to its tourism-based economy and relatively small population.

Let's consider the options:

• Sri Lanka
• Maldives
• India
• Bhutan

When examining the data for April 2015, Maldives had a significantly higher GDP (PPP) per capita than Sri Lanka, India, and Bhutan, as well as other SAARC countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Analysis of the Options

Comparing the approximate figures from the April 2015 WEO database for these specific countries, Maldives shows the highest GDP (PPP) per capita among the given options and within SAARC as a whole for that period.

Conclusion

Based on the World Economic Outlook Database, April 2015, Maldives had the highest GDP (PPP) per capita among the SAARC member countries.

Revision Table: Key Economic Terms

Additional Information: SAARC and WEO

• SAARC: A regional body promoting development and economic integration in South Asia.
• World Economic Outlook (WEO): A survey conducted and published by the IMF. It is published twice a year (usually April and October) and provides detailed analysis of the state of the world economy, projections for the future, and data on key economic indicators for countries worldwide.
• Economic Data Fluctuations: Economic indicators like GDP per capita change year to year due to economic growth, inflation, population changes, and other factors. The specific year and data source (like WEO April 2015) are crucial for accurate comparison for that time point.