Geographical Axis and Economic Development

Abstract

Is the fate of a country already written in its longitude and latitude? Is it possible that geographical coordinates are linked to economic development? My considerations will start with some review of the literature on the matter, from the book of Jared Diamond "Guns, germs, and steel", to some theories that beginning from Diamond's considerations, have try to explain differences arising is come continents or countries. There will be a part dedicated to Italy, where I will draw some consideration about the current state of the union, focusing on the North - South gap, reporting some recent statistics. In the same chapter I will report the historical evolution of the GDP in our country, starting from the unification of Italy, in 1861, to the more recent years. Beyond providing some literature and statistical material, the core of my work will be providing empirical support for observable implications of the continental axis theory, particularly focusing on variables that affect the development of a country, such as economic growth, public goods provision, local violence, and social trust.