Institutions versus Geography: Subnational Evidence from the United States
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Summary:
Empirical studies of the impact of geography and institutions on growth and development at the international level have become common place, but the high degree of abstraction at that level has led to calls for subnational studies. This paper examines these issues for a region of the United States, Appalachia, where the specific factors at play are identified and measured thus obviating the need for instrumental variable techniques. The evidence suggests that initial conditions, including both geography and institutions, are very important for economic development, having significant effects lasting hundreds of years.
Series:
Working Paper No. 2006/169
Subject:
Estimation techniques Institutional arrangements for revenue administration Personal income Poverty Spatial models
English
Publication Date:
July 1, 2006
ISBN/ISSN:
9781451864298/1018-5941
Stock No:
WPIEA2006169
Pages:
26
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