There are a number of economic and non-economic factors that affect long-run economic growth of countries. Among these factors, roles of physical capital, human capital, technology, and natural resources in influencing long-run economic growth of aggregate output per capita are widely discussed. Governments also play their roles in promoting and sustaining long-run economic growth of countries.

Empirical studies indicate that natural resources no longer play the largest role in affecting long-run economic growth since some of the natural resource rich countries are much poorer than natural resource poor countries.

1. What factors might contribute to a low or high growth rates in a country? Why do some poor countries experience higher growth rates than others when all face the same challenges?

2. Why resources are no longer the most important indicators of economic growth disparity among countries? Which other economic and non-economic factors do you think explain the reasons behind growth disparities among countries?

3. How can sustainable long-run economic growth be realized? What are the roles of the government in achieving sustainable long-run economic growth?