What is the difference between economic growth and economic development?

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What is the difference between economic growth and economic development?

Economic growth and economic development are two distinct concepts in the field of economics. While they are related, they have different meanings and implications.

Economic growth refers to an increase in the production and consumption of goods and services within an economy over a specific period of time. It is typically measured by the growth rate of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is the total value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given year. Economic growth is often expressed as a percentage and indicates the expansion of an economy's output.

On the other hand, economic development encompasses a broader set of factors and indicators that go beyond just the increase in GDP. It refers to the improvement in the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals within a society. Economic development takes into account various aspects such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, social welfare, income distribution, and environmental sustainability.

While economic growth focuses on the quantitative aspect of an economy's output, economic development emphasizes the qualitative aspects of human welfare and progress. Economic development aims to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are distributed equitably and that the society as a whole experiences improvements in living standards.

In summary, economic growth primarily measures the increase in the production and consumption of goods and services, while economic development encompasses a broader range of factors that contribute to the overall well-being and progress of a society.