Skip to content

Providing Best Education For Brighter Future

PER CAPITA INCOME MEASUREMENT ( DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS )

1. Total National Income

Meaning:
Total National Income refers to the total monetary value of all income earned by the residents of a country during a specific period (usually a year). It
includes income from wages, profits, rents, interest, and other sources.

Explanation:

  • Total National Income is
    typically measured as Gross National Income (GNI) or Net
    National Income (NNI)
    :
    • GNI includes all income earned
      by residents both domestically and abroad.
    • NNI adjusts GNI by subtracting
      depreciation of physical assets.
  • It provides an overview of
    the economic performance of a nation.
  • A higher total national
    income indicates a more productive and wealthier economy.


2. Per Capita Income

Meaning:
Per Capita Income (PCI) is the average income of a person in a country,
calculated by dividing the total national income by the population.

Explanation:

  • Formula:
    Per Capita Income=Total National Income Total Population\text{Per
    Capita Income} = \frac{\text{Total National Income}}{\text{Total
    Population}}Per Capita Income=Total Population Total National Income
  • PCI is an indicator of the
    standard of living in a country.
  • It reflects the average
    share of national income per individual, though it does not account for
    income inequality.


3. Total Population

Meaning:
Total Population refers to the total number of people living in a country at a
given time.

Explanation:


Comparison Between Total National Income, Per
Capita Income, and Total Population

Aspect

Total National Income

Per Capita Income

Total Population

Definition

Total
income earned by a country’s residents.

Average
income per individual in a country.

Total
number of people in a country.

Indicator

Measures
economic size or productivity.

Measures
average standard of
living.

Indicates
the demographic size of the country.

Formula

Sum of
all income (wages, profits, rents, etc.).

Total
National Income ÷ Total Population.

Total
count of individuals.

Interrelation

Increases
with economic output and productivity.

Depends
on both total income and population size.

Affects
how income is distributed and perceived.

Economic
Implications

Reflects
overall wealth but not income distribution.

Indicates
living standards but hides inequality.

Larger
populations may dilute per capita income.


Key Insights

  • National Income grows with productivity,
    industrial output, and resource utilization.
  • Per Capita Income provides a better idea of
    individual prosperity but requires adjustment for inequality.
  • Total Population affects both metrics: more
    people mean higher total income potential but lower per capita income if
    resources are stretched.

To
achieve higher living standards, countries aim for balanced growth in national
income
and 
population management, ensuring sustainable increases in per
capita income
.