California’s economy has grown to overtake yet another foreign country, putting the state at the fourth-largest in the world if it were to be considered separate from the rest of the U.S.
Gov. Gavin Newsom made the announcement this week that the state’s gross domestic product surpassed Japan’s, the Los Angeles Times reports.
“According to the data, California’s nominal GDP reached $4.1 trillion, surpassing Japan’s $4.02 trillion,” the Times explains. “That places the Golden State behind only the United States at $29.18 trillion, China at $18.74 trillion, and Germany at $4.65 trillion.”
In a statement, Newsom noted that “California isn’t just keeping pace with the world — we’re setting the pace.”
“Our economy is thriving because we invest in people, prioritize sustainability, and believe in the power of innovation,” he said.
California’s ascension has been predicted for a few years now, though when Newsom highlighted it in 2022, the state was expected to surpass Germany, not Japan. The two countries traded spots last year.
California’s gains may be short-lived, however, as India is expected to surpass California next yer.
