Is the United States the world's largest economy?

The United States is the undisputed heavyweight when it comes to the economies of the world. America’s gross domestic product in 2022 was more than 40% greater than that of China, the world No. 2. Even more striking, U.S. GDP was over five times that of the next two largest economies, Japan and Germany.

Why is Japan the fourth largest economy in the world?

Japan is the fourth-largest economy in the world. Strong cooperation between government and industry and advanced technological know-how have built Japan’s manufacturing and export-oriented economy. Many major Japanese businesses are organized as networks of interlinked companies known as keiretsu.

Could California become the world's fourth-largest economy?

Nonetheless, there are mounting predictions from some economists that the Golden State could soon surpass Germany to become the world’s fourth-largest economy. Moving from the world’s fifth- to fourth-largest economy would be another step up for California — which would trail only the U.S., China and Japan.