Comparison of GDP growth in Brazil and the U.S. 1500-1998

From 1500 until 1998, Brazil's average annual GDP growth rate was just under 1.6 percent, whereas the figure was almost 1.9 percent for the U.S.. While these figures may seem fairly similar, an annual difference of 0.3 percent growth over 498 years accumulates to give a significant margin between the two regions, and faster growth in early years also widens the gap further. When GDP is adjusted to 1990 international dollars, the U.S.' GDP is estimated to be double that of Brazil in 1500, but grew to be eight times larger by 1998. Similarly to population, the U.S. experienced its fastest annual GDP growth in the mid-19^th century, while Brazil saw its fastest growth in the mid-20^th century.