GDP per capita

The list of purchasing power adjusted GDP per capita for the OECD countries is a rough comparison of the living standards of countries. Measured this way, Sweden was the fourth richest OECD country in the 1970s. 

Each year, the OECD compiles a table ranking its member countries according to their purchasing power adjusted GDP per capita. “Purchasing power adjusted” means the GDP per capita of the country has been adjusted with respect to price levels in order to increase comparability. The list thus shows the value of the production of the countries adjusted for both price levels and population size.

From the late 1970s until the early 1990s, the growth rate of  Swedish GDP was weaker than that of the majority of the industrialised countries. During the deep recession in 1991-1993, Swedish GDP contacted by about 4 percent, which resulted in a swift drop down to 11th position in the OECD comparison in 1993. Since then the Swedish economy has performed better. However, in terms of its position relative to the other countries, Sweden has not improved in the ranking.

When comparing the purchasing power adjusted GDP per capita, it is important to note that the differences between some countries are very small. Also, GDP data is often revised, which may lead to rapid changes in the ranking.