Economic growth in the Commonwealth has accelerated over the post 1973 period in sharp contrast to the EU, where the growth rate has been falling gently from 5% or more in the late 1970’s to only 1-2% in recent years.

Looking at the EU, and Eurozone, and Commonwealth from a market share of world GDP viewpoint, a similar pattern is evident. Charts 3 and 4 show the EU and Eurozone compared with Commonwealth share of world real GDP.

The IMF produces forecasts for economic growth for the EZ and the Commonwealth for the next 5 years. Given the current crisis in the EZ the 2.7% annual average growth forecast might be thought optimistic. But optimistic or not it pales into insignificance compared with the continued growth expected in the emerging markets of the Commonwealth.


GDP Growth Forecasts (Real terms, average annual growth)



 Source: IMF, World Economics

Finally, Chart 5 shows population projections for the EZ compared with the Commonwealth for the next 40 years. As can be seen, population growth in the Commonwealth alone is expected to be over twice as big as the entire static EZ population by 2050. 

Use of these data should be made in the recognition that World Economics shall not have any liability for these data or bear any responsibility for any actions taken based on these data, and in no event shall be liable for damages of any sort arising from use of these data. 

Please note that GDP growth estimates are subject to change & World Economics will update the monitor on a regular basis as further data becomes available.