Geography, Economic Institutions, Political Institutions, and Economic Performance

• Other Authors: Ferraro, Amanda Catherine (author)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Economics
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_FALL2017_Ferraro_fsu_0071N_14141

Does geography impact economic growth directly even after considering economic and political institutions? This paper explores which countries are the most geographically disadvantaged and if these disadvantages play a role in their economic growth and per capita income levels. A group of the 30 most geographically disadvantaged countries is determined by summing multiple geography variables to understand the overall disadvantages these countries face. The difference between per capita income levels and growth rates of these countries compared to other developing countries is analyzed to discover the disadvantage these geographic characteristics have. This analysis will explore how important geography is to growth relative to economic and political institutions, and whether the effects of geography change over time. === A Thesis submitted to the Department of Economics in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. === Summer Semester 2017. === July 18, 2017. === Economic Freedom of the World Index, EFW === Includes bibliographical references. === James D. Gwartney, Professor Co-Directing Thesis; Stefan Norrbin, Professor Co-Directing Thesis; Paul Beaumont, Committee Member; Katie Sherron, Committee Member; Carl Kitchens, Committee Member.