Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
The indicator is part of the EU Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicator set. It is used to monitor progress towards SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, which is embedded in the European Commission’s Priorities under ‘A new plan for Europe's sustainable prosperity and competitiveness’ and ‘Supporting people, strengthening our societies and our social model’.
SDG 8 recognises the importance of sustained economic growth and high levels of economic productivity for the creation of well-paid quality jobs and the achievement of global prosperity. That said, it envisions inclusive and sustainable economic growth, which leaves no one behind and does not harm the environment.
The indicator can be considered as identical to global SDG indicator 8.1.1 "Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita".
4.1. Data description
The indicator is calculated as the ratio of real GDP (GDP adjusted for inflation) to the average population of a specific year, where GDP is expressed in millions and population is expressed in thousands. Real GDP is published without decimals.
GDP measures the value of the total final output of goods and services produced by an economy within a certain period of time. It includes goods and services that have markets (or which could have markets) and products which are produced by general government and non-profit institutions. It is a measure of economic activity and is commonly used as a proxy for the development in a country’s material living standards. However, it is not a complete measure of economic welfare. For example, GDP does not include most unpaid household work. Neither does GDP take account of negative effects of economic activity, like environmental degradation.
4.2. Unit of measure
Chain linked volumes (2020) in EUR and % change on previous year.
4.3. Reference Period
Calendar year.
4.4. Accuracy - overall
The indicator is produced according to the high-level quality standards of European Statistics. Details on accuracy can be found in the metadata of the source datasets (see link to related metadata).
4.5. Source data
4.5.1. Source data - Organisation
ESS (National accounts)
4.5.2. Source data - Comment
Data source: National accounts
Data provider: Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, based on data reported by the countries.
5.1. Frequency of dissemination
5.1.1. Frequency of dissemination - Grade
Every year
5.1.2. Frequency of dissemination - Comment
The indicator is updated annually.
5.2. Timeliness
5.2.1. Timeliness - Grade
T+1 year
5.2.2. Timeliness - Comment
New data points are disseminated within one year after the reference year.
6.1. Reference area
6.1.1. Reference Area - Grade
All EU MS
6.1.2. Reference Area - Comment
Data are presented for all EU Member States plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia and Türkiye.
6.2. Comparability - geographical
6.2.1. Comparability - geographical - Grade
All EU MS
6.2.2. Comparability - geographical - Comment
Comparability across all EU Member States respectively other presented countries is ensured by the application of the legal framework represented by ESA 2010 and SNA 2008. Comparability of GDP for EU countries is regularly monitored in the context of the work of the Gross National Income (GNI) Committee. In addition, international harmonisation of techniques and, to some extent, compilation tools is ensured by the work of the national accounts working groups (Eurostat, OECD, UN).
Comparability across countries of the population figures is ensured by application of the same concept (ESA 2010) across countries.
6.3. Coverage - Time
6.3.1. Time Coverage - Grade
> 10 years
6.3.2. Time Coverage - Comment
Presented time series (including EU aggregates) starts in 2000, except for some candidate countries.
6.4. Comparability - over time
6.4.1. Comparability - over time - Grade
> 4 data points
6.4.2. Comparability - over time - Comment
Length of comparable time series without methodological break is longer than 4 data points.
7.1. Dissemination format - Publications
Analysis of indicator is presented in Eurostat's annual monitoring report on Sustainable development in the EU (progress towards the SDGs in an EU context).
nama_10_gdp_esms - Gross domestic product (GDP) and main components (output, expenditure and income)
The indicator is calculated as the ratio of real GDP (GDP adjusted for inflation) to the average population of a specific year, where GDP is expressed in millions and population is expressed in thousands. Real GDP is published without decimals.
GDP measures the value of the total final output of goods and services produced by an economy within a certain period of time. It includes goods and services that have markets (or which could have markets) and products which are produced by general government and non-profit institutions. It is a measure of economic activity and is commonly used as a proxy for the development in a country’s material living standards. However, it is not a complete measure of economic welfare. For example, GDP does not include most unpaid household work. Neither does GDP take account of negative effects of economic activity, like environmental degradation.
21 March 2025
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Calendar year.
The indicator is produced according to the high-level quality standards of European Statistics. Details on accuracy can be found in the metadata of the source datasets (see link to related metadata).
Chain linked volumes (2020) in EUR and % change on previous year.
