Total state gross domestic product grew at a 1.5% clip in 2011, less than half the 3.1% rate in 2010, a sign that momentum may be waning.

WSJ: Are High-Yield Munis Headed for a Fall?

Ireland's budget deficit reached an alarming 32% of gross domestic product after a state bailout of the country's banks, which had lent recklessly and fuelled an unsustainable property boom.

BBC: Ireland country profile

As the impact of the global financial crisis grows, and real estate remains in a troubled state, the bank said the gross domestic product in China will amount to 7.5% in 2009, down from its previous prediction of 9.2%.

FORBES: Magazine Article

In eleven of eleven cases, those states that raised a personal income tax, such as New Jersey, saw their state share of our total U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) decline over the long term.

FORBES: Why Vice President Biden's Delaware Is A Big, Taxing Deal

If we wish to have our federal government continue to spend 23 percent of the gross domestic product (closer to 40 percent if we count state and local spending), then we and our descendants must eventually be willing to pay roughly 23 percent of our incomes in taxes.

FORBES: What Do We Have To Give Up To Get More?

Fitch said it was not convinced by the Greek government's plans to reduce state spending, saying that the state debt burden was likely to rise to close to 130% of gross domestic product and that further fiscal slippage could result in another downgrade.

FORBES: Europe Markets Brief

But it is worth remembering where the defense industry stood before the 9-11 attacks at barely 1% of gross domestic product and asking whether it is so unlikely to return to that state in the near future.

FORBES: Why The Defense Industry May Never Bounce Back

The blue line shows how much federal, state, and local governments directly contribute to economic activity, measured as a share of overall gross domestic product (GDP).

FORBES: Has The U.S. Government Gotten Bigger Or Smaller? Yes.