Poland or Virginia?

This post is a quick break from the normal routine but I think you will find it interesting. The Economist has produced a new interactive map that compares the GDPs and populations of U.S. states to countries around the world. This might sound a little geeky but it's a hell of a lot of fun to play with.

So a few quick stats. California has the world's 8th largest economy, just behind Italy's but a notch above Brazil's. Virginia's economy is about the same as Poland, West Virginia is neck and neck with Iraq and Mississippi is running tight with Bangladesh -- that sounds about right.

Anyway, I highly recommend a visit. You just might be surprised with what you find.

Check it out here.