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Defining Country Size: A Descriptive Analysis of Small and Large States

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  • BRITO, JOÃO ANTONIO

Abstract

This paper defines the size of 215 countries using population and land area dimension. The statistical technique of cluster analysis was used to identify the groups of states that share the same characteristics of population and land area, and 83 countries were classified as small. From the descriptive analysis small size does not imply lower economic development/performance compared to large states. However, the economies of small states are more vulnerable. Proximity to developed markets, degree of economic freedom and openness to foreign markets were identified as the main factors explaining differences in economic performance among small states.

Suggested Citation

  • Brito, João Antonio, 2015. "Defining Country Size: A Descriptive Analysis of Small and Large States," MPRA Paper 66149, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:66149
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Government Primož Pevcin, 2020. "Government Size and Quality of Governance: Does State Size Matter?," International Journal of Business and Economic Sciences Applied Research (IJBESAR), International Hellenic University (IHU), Kavala Campus, Greece (formerly Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology - EMaTTech), vol. 13(3), pages 7-14, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Country Size; Small States; Cluster Analysis and Economic Growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General
    • O50 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - General
    • O57 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Comparative Studies of Countries

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