New Zealand

New Zealand maintains a very high standard of living, evidenced by its GDP per capita exceeding $49,000 USD. This places it among the top tier of developed nations globally, demonstrating a highly productive and specialized economy relative to its small population size of just over 5.3 million.

A significant economic challenge for New Zealand is the disparity between its high inflation rate (5.733%) and relatively modest GDP growth (1.394%). This suggests that while the economy is growing, the purchasing power of citizens is being eroded rapidly, potentially leading to 'stagflationary' pressures.

New Zealand boasts a remarkably high life expectancy of 83.00 years, placing it among the world leaders in health outcomes. This achievement is further underscored by a very low infant mortality rate (4.0 per 1,000 live births), reflecting a robust public health system and high quality of care.

Despite its global image as a nation dominated by vast rural landscapes and farming, New Zealand is highly urbanized, with nearly 84% of its population living in urban areas. This concentration suggests that economic and social policies must heavily address the needs and infrastructure of major metropolitan centers.