Maddison project
database (MPD) is a famous
source of real GDP data for the whole world. Let's compare real GDP per capita
for Turkey and Germany in 2022 as presented by the MPD (2023 version). The most
recent period of relatively free development, say the 21st century, in these
two countries can be best presented by the cumulative growth of real GDP per
capita. Instead of presenting just the difference in the levels between 2022
and 2000, we show in Figure 1 the cumulative growth well illustrating the
economic events in the 21st century. Overall, Turkey has been showing a higher
growth in the real GDP per capita than Germany.
This is an outstanding result considering the fact that the media often
describe Turkey as a failed economy. It is not! Turkey is running its economy
effectively.
An average Turk added $16,000 to the pocket. German only $14500
Figure 1. Cumulative growth in real GDP pc since
2000.