The Economic Growth Rate measures how quickly a country's economy is expanding or contracting over a specific period, usually expressed as a percentage. It reflects changes in the total value of goods and services produced, known as Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A positive growth rate indicates a healthy economy, while a negative rate may signal economic troubles. Governments and policymakers closely monitor the economic growth rate to make informed decisions about fiscal and monetary policies. Factors influencing this rate include consumer spending, business investments, and government expenditures, all of which contribute to overall economic performance.