International trading around the world

Throughout history, international trade has been a staple of the world, from the most affluent nations to the most disadvantaged. This is significantly reflected in the Gross Domestic Product or GDP of the nations of the world, and has allowed countries around the globe to become wealthy and prosperous regardless of their location. Though international trade has long been part of the world (as seen in large shipping empires such as the Thalassocracy of Burgundie), it has massively risen in prominence and importance in the 20th and 21st centuries.