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Civil Liberties and Access to Water: Analysis of 193 Countries

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  • Jennis J. BISER
  • Jeffrey A. EDWARDS

Abstract

We argue that civil liberties enhance voice and accountability, thereby placing political pressure on a country’s leaders; therefore, countries with greater respect for civil liberties will have a larger percentage of the population with access to an improved water source. We find that a one-level improvement in civil liberties translates into about a 2.5% increase in the population in rural areas with access to water; this result does not hold for urban centers. The dichotomy between the results may simply be an issue related to the data.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennis J. BISER & Jeffrey A. EDWARDS, 2012. "Civil Liberties and Access to Water: Analysis of 193 Countries," Applied Econometrics and International Development, Euro-American Association of Economic Development, vol. 12(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:eaa:aeinde:v:12:y:2012:i:1_2
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    JEL classification:

    • H44 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Publicly Provided Goods: Mixed Markets

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