World GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in gross domestic product across 190+ economies, compiled from national accounts data. Tracks the expansion or contraction of economic output globally and by country.
Global Growth (2025e)
+3.3%
Real GDP, annual % (IMF estimate)
vs. +2.9% in 2024
Advanced Economies
+1.7%
IMF estimate, 2025e
vs. +1.8% in 2024
Emerging Markets
+4.4%
IMF estimate, 2025e
vs. +4.4% in 2024
Countries Covered
193
Including territories
Data
| Year | Global Growth (%) | Advanced Economies (%) | Emerging Markets (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 4.4 |
| 2024 | 2.9 | 1.8 | 4.4 |
| 2023 | 3.0 | 1.8 | 4.8 |
| 2022 | 3.4 | 3.1 | 4.0 |
| 2021 | 6.4 | 6.0 | 7.4 |
| 2020 | -2.9 | -3.9 | -1.1 |
| 2019 | 2.7 | 1.9 | 4.2 |
| 2018 | 3.3 | 2.4 | 5.0 |
| 2017 | 3.5 | 2.6 | 5.3 |
| 2016 | 2.8 | 1.9 | 4.7 |
| 2015 | 3.1 | 2.5 | 4.7 |
| 2014 | 3.1 | 2.2 | 5.2 |
| 2013 | 2.9 | 1.6 | 5.6 |
| 2012 | 2.7 | 1.4 | 5.5 |
| 2011 | 3.3 | 1.9 | 6.3 |
| 2010 | 4.5 | 3.0 | 8.2 |
| 2009 | -1.3 | -3.4 | 4.0 |
| 2008 | 2.1 | 0.4 | 5.9 |
| 2007 | 4.4 | 2.6 | 8.8 |
| 2006 | 4.5 | 3.0 | 8.2 |
| 2005 | 4.0 | 2.8 | 7.4 |
About this Dataset
The World Bank’s GDP Growth Rate dataset compiles annual economic growth figures from national statistical offices across 193 countries, harmonised into a single comparable series using constant local currency prices.
- Coverage: 193 countries and territories, 1961–present
- Frequency: Annual, typically released January–February following the reference year
- Methodology: Constant price GDP, chain-linked where available; PPP-adjusted cross-country comparisons use purchasing power parity exchange rates
- Base currency: Constant 2015 USD for cross-country totals
Growth forecasts from the World Bank and IMF World Economic Outlook are among the most closely watched indicators in global macro investing, directly influencing sovereign bond spreads, EM currency positioning, and global equity allocation models.
Frequently Asked Questions
GDP growth rate measures the percentage change in the inflation-adjusted value of all goods and services produced in an economy over a given period. A positive rate indicates economic expansion; negative indicates contraction. It is the primary indicator of economic health used by central banks, investors, and governments.
GDP growth forecasts drive asset allocation across global portfolios. Strong growth periods typically favour equities and cyclical sectors; slowdowns shift preference toward fixed income and defensives. Private equity firms model GDP growth into country-level entry multiples and exit assumptions. Sovereign credit ratings — and thus borrowing costs — are directly tied to GDP growth trajectories.
Nominal GDP growth includes the effect of price changes (inflation). Real GDP growth strips out inflation to show actual changes in output volume. World Bank and IMF figures are typically reported in real terms (constant prices), making cross-year comparisons meaningful.