What Is Gross National Product (GNP) And What Does It Tell You?

Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by Editorial Team

Updated on March 10, 2023

GNP Definition

Gross National Product is the approximation of the total value of all goods and services produced by a country's citizens and citizen-owned businesses.


GNP Meaning?

Gross National Product is closely related to Gross Domestic Product, or GDP.

However, GDP is a measure of all production activity within the borders of a country, whereas GNP is a measurement of all production activity by a country's citizens and domestic-owned businesses.

For example, the United States' GNP takes into account American-owned businesses operating in other countries and excludes foreign-owned businesses operating within US borders.

What Is GNP?

GNP is commonly calculated by adding up the following:

  • Total personal consumption expenditures (PCE)
  • Gross private domestic investment (GDPI)
  • Total government expenditures
  • Net exports (total value of exports minus total value of imports)
  • Total income earned by citizens from overseas investments
  • Subtract domestic income earned by foreign residents

A large difference between GDP and GNP can indicate a strong involvement with international trade, production, or financial operation.

Gross National Product (GNP) FAQs

About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website, view his author profile on Amazon, or check out his speaker profile on the CFA Institute website.

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