Percapita

Per capita is a statistical term that denotes a quantity divided by the number of people in a population, effectively representing the average per person. The phrase is Latin for “by head” and is widely used in economics and demographics. A per-capita figure is obtained by dividing a total amount by the population size: per capita value equals total divided by population. Common applications include gross domestic product per capita, income per capita, energy consumption per capita, and carbon emissions per capita. For example, GDP per capita = total GDP / population, which allows comparisons of economic performance across countries regardless of population size.

Per capita figures can be reported in nominal terms, real terms, or with purchasing power parity. Nominal GDP per capita uses current prices, while real GDP per capita adjusts for inflation. PPP-adjusted per capita values account for differences in price levels between countries and can provide a more comparable measure of living standards. Data are typically sourced from national statistics agencies and international organizations, and population figures often reflect mid-year estimates.

Limitations include the fact that per capita values are averages and do not capture income distribution or inequality within a population. A high per capita GDP does not guarantee widespread prosperity, and low values can occur alongside overall household wealth when distributions are uneven. Therefore, per capita indicators are most informative when used alongside measures of inequality, median income, or household consumption to provide a more complete picture of economic well-being.