How the Economic Power of American Cities Compares to Entire Countries

Our viz takes data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and maps the size of various metro economies (in millions USD). The larger the circle, the larger the economic output of that area. We then compared these numbers to GDP figures from the World Bank, placing the corresponding country’s flag next to the U.S. metro area closest in size.

Arranging these two datasets on the same map helps you understand how enormous the U.S. economy is compared to the rest of the world. The economic output of the New York metro area is almost as significant as the entire country of Canada. California alone sees more economic activity than Turkey, Finland, Nigeria and Greece—combined. You could fit the entire Argentinian economy inside the greater Chicago area. Obviously, the American economy packs a powerful punch.