What is GDP and how is it measured?

GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is the total value of all goods and services produced within a country in a specific period. Three approaches: 1) Expenditure: GDP = C + I + G + (X-M) where C=consumption, I=investment, G=government spending, X=exports, M=imports. 2) Income: sum of all wages, profits, rents, interest. 3) Production: sum of value added at each production stage. Real GDP adjusts for inflation (using a base year). GDP per capita = GDP/population (better for comparing living standards). GDP growth rate indicates economic health.