Relative Wealth

The following is a comparison chart I made for my 7th grade Social Studies students. The info is off the internet, so I do warn them about taking it with a grain of salt. We also talk about the importance of per capita GDP (Luxemborg, for example). Still, the comparison is pretty surprising:

7 billion--- Spent by Americans on video games
7 billion--- Total GDP of Iceland

8 billion--- Spent by Americans on Christmas decorations and décor
8 billion--- Total GDP of Zambia

16.8 billion--- Spent by Americans on professional yard services
17 billion--- Total GDP of Honduras

17 billion--- Spent by Americans on pet food
17 billion--- Total GDP of Panama

20 billion--- Spent by Americans on non-food, non-vet, pet supplies
20 billion--- Total GDP of Latvia

20 billion--- Spent by Americans on ice cream
20 billion--- Total GDP of Luxembourg

20 billion--- Spent by Americans on jewelry
21 billion--- Total GDP of Bolivia

25 billion--- Spent by Americans on beer
25 billion--- Total GDP of Cuba

30 billion--- Spent by Americans on gifts bought online
30 billion--- Total GDP of El Salvador

40 billion--- Spent by Americans on books and other products related to dieting
41 billion--- Total GDP of Ecuador

110 billion--- Spent by Americans on fast food
114 billion--- Total GDP of Ireland