Something That's Been Bugging Me

[drplokta]

All the (UK) press coverage of the impending Californian electoral debacle says that California has the fifth biggest economy in the world (or would, if it were an independent nation). But the UK is the fourth largest economy in the world, and France is fifth, and there's barely a gnat's whisker of difference between them. So does California really squeeze into the tiny gap, or are the journos all just copying someone else's mistake?

Comments

[flickgc.livejournal.com]

Sounds as though it would be difficult to judge with any accuracy, given that there would be so many little bits that would be hard to categorise as "California" or "USA"

[daveon.livejournal.com]

Its easier than you think, because the states all collect taxes and tax on a state by state basis, plus they have distinct legal structures and there are a lot of rules on money transfer over state boundaries and the like.

It makes it quite easy.

Although I can't find a table which is a pain.