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Congo and Korea: a study in divergence

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  • Phillip Garner

    (Brigham Young University, Provo, USA)

Abstract

The growth experiences of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Korea over the last several decades have been polar opposites. Despite this divergence in economic outcomes, the two countries shared some initial similarities including very low income, high population growth rates, harsh colonial regimes, military coups and Cold War politics. There were also important initial differences in population density, ethnolinguistic diversity, natural resource endowments and geography. Given its enormous mineral wealth, economic prospects initially appeared brighter in the Congo than in Korea to most contemporary observers. This paper explores the possible causes of divergences in the two countries by examining initial conditions, economic and demographic trends, geography and governance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Phillip Garner, 2008. "Congo and Korea: a study in divergence," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 20(3), pages 326-346.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:20:y:2008:i:3:p:326-346
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.1418
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Minoiu, Camelia & Reddy, Sanjay G., 2010. "Development aid and economic growth: A positive long-run relation," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 50(1), pages 27-39, February.

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