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The contribution of population health and demographic change to economic growth in China and India

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  • Bloom, David E.
  • Canning, David
  • Hu, Linlin
  • Liu, Yuanli
  • Mahal, Ajay
  • Yip, Winnie

Abstract

We find that a cross-country model of economic growth successfully tracks the growth takeoffs in China and India. The major drivers of the predicted takeoffs are improved health, increased openness to trade, and a rising labor force-to-population ratio due to fertility decline. We also explore the effect of the reallocation of labor from low-productivity agriculture to the higher-productivity industry and service sectors. Including the money value of longevity improvements in a measure of full-income reduces the gap between the magnitude of China's takeoff relative to India's due to the relative stagnation in life expectancy in China since 1980.

Suggested Citation

  • Bloom, David E. & Canning, David & Hu, Linlin & Liu, Yuanli & Mahal, Ajay & Yip, Winnie, 2010. "The contribution of population health and demographic change to economic growth in China and India," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 38(1), pages 17-33, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcecon:v:38:y:2010:i:1:p:17-33
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