The problem is not so much GDP, as it is to measure the economy in one float. So GDP is a somewhat good measure, if you want a quick handle on production capaci

The problem is not so much GDP, as it is to measure the economy in one float. So GDP is a somewhat good measure, if you want a quick handle on production capacity, for standard of living something like purchase parity median income is better, but tells you nothing about relative strength of exports, etc...