Final answer:
Common costs to a country focused on high GDP include potential neglect of education and health care, leading to social inequalities, and possibly a lower life expectancy compared to equally developed nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a country focuses its economy on achieving a high Gross Domestic Product (GDP), there are several common costs that may be incurred. These include:
Economic power and wealth often increase, but this can lead to increased inequality, with wealth concentrated among fewer individuals or corporations.
Education and health care may be sacrificed as investments are channeled towards sectors that directly contribute to GDP growth, potentially leading to uneven social development.
Despite high GDP, there could still be a lower life expectancy compared to other equally developed nations with lower GDPs if health care is not prioritized.
It is essential to note that a high GDP does not automatically equate to improved wellbeing for all citizens, as it does not directly account for factors like leisure, environmental quality, and social services.