What does gross domestic product (GDP) represent?

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) represents the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders over a specific period, typically a year. This figure serves as a comprehensive measure of a nation's overall economic activity and is a key indicator of economic health. By encapsulating the output of the economy, GDP provides insights into the level of consumer and business spending, government spending, and net exports (exports minus imports).

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of the economy. The average income of all citizens refers to income per capita, which is a measure of income distribution rather than total economic output. The value of imports and exports combined refers to trade balance but does not account for domestic production. The amount of foreign investment pertains to the flow of capital into a country and does not reflect the total output of goods and services produced domestically. Thus, GDP is specifically about the aggregate output of an economy, making it the correct choice.