Five U.S. states and their GDP equivalents in African countries

The global economy reflects significant disparities among regions and countries. The U.S. economy, valued at approximately $29 trillion, is a prime example of concentrated economic power.

This comparison shows how individual U.S. states can economically match entire African countries, despite differences in population size and resources. The U.S. states are not among the largest or most powerful but have GDPs that parallel significant African nations.

It also reveals concentrated wealth and productivity, raising questions about resource distribution and factors influencing economic performance. This prompts reflection on how different systems, policies, and global market positions contribute to economic disparities. While GDP is a straightforward measure of economic output, it does not reflect income distribution, development, or quality of life.

Read also: Africa’s GDP giants: Top 10 largest economies of 2024 – IMF

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the latest available state GDP data is for the year 2023. Meanwhile, country GDP data is sourced from the International Monetary Fund and was last updated in October 2024.

1. Iowa and Nigeria

In 2023, Iowa’s GDP reached approximately $254 billion. For context, this is close to Nigeria’s GDP, Africa’s largest economy. Nigeria, a country with significant natural resources and a large population, has faced economic challenges despite its vast potential. Iowa’s economy, although driven by agriculture and manufacturing, matches Nigeria’s economic output, underlining how a single U.S. state compares to an entire nation.

Nigeria’s economic output, as highlighted by the CFG Advisory Business Intelligence Weekly, reveals a significant comparison when viewed against the U.S. state of Iowa. Despite being approximately six times larger in landmass and having a population 63 times greater (202 million versus Iowa’s 3.2 million), Nigeria’s GDP in Q3 2024 was $199.72 billion, trailing behind Iowa’s $247.2 billion in Q3 2023.

This discrepancy underscores the gap in GDP per capita, with Iowa’s reaching $73,691 in 2023, compared to Nigeria’s $976 in 2024. The difference in economic productivity is further emphasized by their growth rates; while Nigeria reported a 2.91% year-over-year growth in Q2 2024, Iowa’s economy grew by 4.1% in Q3 2023.

2. Mississippi and Morocco

Mississippi reported a GDP of around $151 billion in 2023, equivalent to that of Morocco. Morocco, located in North Africa, has a diverse economy, which includes mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. Mississippi’s economy is also varied, relying on agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The comparison highlights how a U.S. state, known for its agricultural base, aligns with an African country known for balancing industry and agriculture.

Read also: Five countries contribute to half of Africa’s $1.4 tn GDP

3. Rhode Island and Tanzania

Rhode Island, the smallest U.S. state by area, had a GDP of approximately $78 billion in 2023. This is similar to Tanzania’s GDP. Tanzania’s economy is driven by agriculture, services, and mining. Although Rhode Island is not expansive in landmass, its economic output matches that of a country with a significant population and diverse resources.

4. South Dakota and Ghana

South Dakota recorded a GDP of around $74 billion in 2023, which aligns with Ghana’s economic output. Ghana, located in West Africa, is known for its mining, particularly gold, and its agricultural sector. South Dakota’s economy, with its emphasis on agriculture, tourism, and finance, parallels Ghana’s mix of resources and industries.

Read also: Top 10 Africa countries poised to drive GDP growth in 2024

5. Montana and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Montana’s GDP stood at $73 billion in 2023, comparable to that of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC, despite its wealth in minerals and natural resources, faces numerous economic challenges. Montana’s economy, which relies on mining, agriculture, and services, aligns with the DRC’s GDP. This comparison underscores the gap between resource wealth and economic output in some regions.