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Measuring insularity as a state of nature. Is there a case of bad geography?

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Listed:
  • Am Pinna
  • V. Licio

Abstract

The first goal of this work is to collect available physical geographic data on islands and to elaborate measures of insularity. We then evaluate whether and when insularity can become 'bad' geography in terms of poor economic performance. We find that two important dichotomies are present - states that are islands (full insularity) perform worse than countries that have islands (partial insularity). Within the group of island-states, isolation is the crucial dimension associated with low GDP, less the dispersion of the land. Instead, being coastal and having islands is associated with better results than only having direct access to the sea.

Suggested Citation

  • Am Pinna & V. Licio, 2013. "Measuring insularity as a state of nature. Is there a case of bad geography?," Working Paper CRENoS 201322, Centre for North South Economic Research, University of Cagliari and Sassari, Sardinia.
    • Handle: RePEc:cns:cnscwp:201322
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    Cited by:

    1. F. Cerina, 2015. "Is insularity a locational disadvantage? Insights from the New Economic Geography," Working Paper CRENoS 201521, Centre for North South Economic Research, University of Cagliari and Sassari, Sardinia.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Landlocked; Islands; Insularity Measures; Cross-Country Income Distribution; Coastal;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General

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