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Quality of life and population size: Causal evidence with historical mines

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  • Stefan Leknes

    (Department of Economics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

I attempt to find the causal effect of endogenous population size on quality of life. Quantity and quality of consumer amenities would increase with urban scale if not offset by congestion effects. To deal with endogeneity, I utilize a quasi-experimental design where I exploit the exogenous spatial distribution of mineral resources with Norwegian historical mines from the 12th till the 19th century. The findings suggest persistence in population patterns from early industrialization, and a positive urban scale effect on quality of life that pass multiple tests of confounding factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Leknes, 2014. "Quality of life and population size: Causal evidence with historical mines," Working Paper Series 15714, Department of Economics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
    • Handle: RePEc:nst:samfok:15714
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    File URL: http://www.svt.ntnu.no/iso/WP/2014/Stefan_2014wp2.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    quality of life; urban scale; historical mines;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General
    • R1 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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