Today I was evaluating economic data on the major countries around the world. One of my economic resources updated the chart below on the status of various key countries:

My first observation is that the United States, while ranking third in population (343.1 million), generates nearly twice the annual gross domestic product (the total value of all economic activity) of both China and the Eurozone. In fact, U.S. GDP is nearly equal to the combined GDP of China and the Eurozone.

Compared to the remaining countries on the list, U.S. GDP exceeds that of Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, and Mexico by more than 700% each and more than the total of all these economies combined.

The question that came to mind is how productive people in each of these countries are. It is one accomplishment to have the world’s greatest volume of business activity, but how does that equate to the productivity of each person? By dividing the total population by the annual GDP of the country, I calculated the following:

Not only does the United States generate the highest level of economic output in the world by a wide margin of $29.18 Trillion, but Americans are also significantly more productive on a per-person basis, producing on average $84,548 of economic activity per year. Compared to China, which has the world’s largest population at 1.409 billion people, the U.S. output per capita is nearly 600% higher.

Canada ranks second in per-capita productivity on this list, with GDP per person of $64,582; however, its total economic output represents only about 10% of overall U.S. annual business activity.

The competitiveness of the US is starting to resonate with small business owners. The industry leaders are beginning to indicate more optimism based on recent surveys by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB). In their report released on February 25, 2026, one standout statement was:

• “Sixty-eight percent of small business owners rated the overall health of their business today as excellent or good (up 5 points from October). Reports were the highest in the professional services industry (79%) and the lowest in wholesale (55%) and agriculture (60%) industries.”

Holly Wade, Executive Director of NFIB’s Research Center, tempered the report a bit by stating,

• “Small business optimism rose in all reported industries except for construction. While overall optimism has gone up, more owners are reporting supply chain disruptions.”

In the same report, NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg stated:

• "While GDP is rising, small businesses are still waiting for noticeable economic growth. Despite this, more owners are reporting better business health and anticipating higher sales."

Small businesses will be more impacted by changing economic conditions that include rising interest rates, cost of goods and services, and tariffs. However, based on the chart below of past NFIB surveys, small business optimism has improved significantly in the past 18 months, with a way to go to reach levels prior to the pandemic.

What Does This Mean to Me?

I thought it worthwhile to recognize just how impactful the United States is on the global economy. The U.S. is not only the largest economy in the world based on annual GDP, but also one of the most productive on a per-capita basis.

As I travel across the country, I am consistently struck by the energy and drive of American businesspeople who are finishing calls before boarding an early morning flight or holding impromptu meetings at an airport gate. No one is forcing them to catch a 6:00 a.m. flight, nor is there an authoritarian government threatening their life or family to meet quotas.

Rather, Americans show up and pursue their careers because they are motivated by personal ambition, opportunity, and the desire for self-improvement. This mindset extends beyond the workplace. You see it in gyms across the country, where people push themselves in workout classes, take long walks, and pursue fitness goals without any direct financial incentive. They do it because they have the freedom and opportunity to strive for something better.

This personal drive within a national freedom framework is really apparent as I travel outside the US, especially to third-world countries. Uganda was appalling, with millions living in horrific conditions due to government repression, despite its great agricultural and mineral resources (life expectancy is 68.2). I mistakenly watched a soldier for too long in downtown Kampala and was saved from being arrested by my friend, who was a member of the Parliament. Staring down an AK-47 was a memorable experience I will never forget.

Mexico also has significant opportunities, with abundant natural resources and access to both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. However, corrupt government agencies promulgate crime and fear, and are so dysfunctional as a nation with double the population, with a productive per capita of less than 50% to Spain with a similar GDP.

There are many issues facing the US that we are all aware of. However, I am not worried about soldiers breaking into my house or missiles raining down on my city. I am thankful for the freedom we have as a nation and the opportunity to financially provide for my family. Remember to vote in local and national elections this year, as the future of our country is dependent on the leaders we elect to office.