Is Geography Destiny? : Lessons from Latin America

This publication challenges the premise that geographical influences need not be taken into account in economic development issues. It argues that, based on a better understanding of geography, public policy can help control or channel its influence toward the goals of economic and social development and poverty reduction. Using both an international perspective and a case study approach for individual countries, the book examines geographical factors, such as land productivity, the presence of endemic diseases, natural disaster frequency and market access, in order to explore development inequalities between and within Latin American countries. It also considers policy options for overcoming the limitations of geography for the region.

John Luke Gallup is an independent economic researcher studying problems of poverty, geography, and health in developing countries Alejandro Gaviria is the deputy director of the Planning Department in Colombia Eduardo Lora is the principal adviser of the Research Department of the Inter-American Development Bank