Although China’s total economic output, measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is third largest in the world, it is considered a developing nation. What is most likely the most important factor for this designation?

A country’s total GDP measures the size of its whole economy, but development is more closely related to income and living standards per person. China’s very large population means its total economic output is divided among many people, so GDP per person can be comparatively modest. Therefore, the best answer is “China has a large population, so its GDP per person is only modest.”

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