The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 456: Chapter 362: High-Speed Growth of Economy and Population_3

Unless of exceptional ability or a technical or scientific researcher, one must contribute significantly to gain Australasian citizenship.

For instance, were an American to steal high-tech weapon information from the United States, they could obtain Australasian citizenship.

Of course, such a possibility is slim since, at present, the United States is not vastly superior to Australasia in any military technology areas.

Until it recruited European scientists and technicians, American technology was at best on par with the major powers, and even lagged behind older powers, such as Britain, Germany, and France in many aspects.

In 1913, Australasia's economic development was also rapid. The substantial population growth was one factor, second only to the ongoing infrastructure projects within Australasia and the operational commencement of the Leonora Industrial Base.

In 1913, Australasia's Gross National Product (GNP) reached 1.578 billion US dollars, equal to 315.6 million pounds, or 631.2 million Australian dollars, with a growth rate of 10.3%.

Although the growth rate was impressive, it was still somewhat behind that of the other major powers.

The high-speed growth in GNP was most evident in terms of per capita income.

By the end of 1913, Australasia's per capita income was 51.7 Australian dollars, trailing behind France but slightly surpassing the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Russia, and Italy.

It was actually all too normal for Russia to lag behind in per capita income. Most of the Russian commoners were still struggling with hunger and cold, so it would be strange if their per capita income could catch up with other major powers.

Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire were not far behind Australasia, but the gap was gradually widening.

If these two countries did not have multiple times the population of Australasia, Australasia's GNP would have surpassed them long ago.

Although Australasia's per capita income was still lower than Britain, France, Germany, and the United States, if happiness index was the only indicator, Australasia might hold its own against these countries.

Arthur did not distribute millions of Australian dollars in relief funds every year for nothing. The major powers, such as Britain, France, Germany, and the United States, could not avoid people dying of hunger and cold.

After all, they had populations in the tens or even hundreds of millions. If they were to implement corresponding relief policies, it would be an unsustainable burden on the country's finances.

Australasia didn't have this problem. When the relief policy was implemented, Australasia's population was still small. Based on per capita income and average family income, the number of people needing relief was small, and the funds spent were naturally not much either.

Although the population has increased now, many people's incomes have already exceeded the average level.

With various constructions bringing no shortage of jobs domestically, therefore, the number of people in Australasia needing relief remained relatively low.

To be able to eat well, dress warmly, have some savings, and a happy family. This should be the most beautiful wish of most common people in the world!

In Australasia, this beautiful dream has a good chance of coming true. This is the real reason why Australians love Arthur and adore their country.

The common people really don't ask for much, if a ruler only takes simple care of the common people, they can earn their affection and allegiance.