Most Californians have heard that their state is the world's eighth largest economy. According to a new analysis of federal data by the Center for Continuing Study of the California, the state remains 8th largest.
This analysis also included some regional numbers that are just as striking. My favorite: if Southern California were its own country, it would be the 15th largest economy in the world -- right between Mexico (14th) and South Korea (16th). The Bay Area would be the 20th largest, between Switzerland and Belgium. San Diego would be 45th, between Nigeria and Pakistan (countries with populations of more than 150 million each).
This data is a reminder: California is a very, very rich place. While our government may be in fiscal trouble, this state is not bankrupt. California has more than enough money to meet its needs -- provided it fixes its dysfunctional governing system.
