A country’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) is a useful indicator
of its socioeconomic health and prospects. A relatively low GDP for a
country typically indicates that its citizens
have many unfulfilled longings and aspirations
for basic socioeconomic goods, which in turn
establishes priorities and major challenges for
its government. The governments of poor countries
must scramble for resources to meet basic
needs and stem social discontent that can
threaten internal order.