The need for a better understanding of the role location plays in economic life was
first and most famously made explicit by Bertil Ohlin in 1933. However it is only
recently, with the development of computer packages able to handle complex systems, as
well as advances in economic theory (in particular an increased understanding of returns
to scale and imperfect competition), that Ohlin's vision has been met and a framework
developed which explains the distribution of economic activity across space. This book is
an integrated, non-mathematical, first-principles textbook presenting geographical
economics to advanced students. Never avoiding advanced concepts, its emphasis is on
examples, diagrams, and empirical evidence, making it the ideal starting point prior to
monographic and journal material. Contains copious computer simulation exercises,
available in book and electronic format to encourage learning and understanding through
application. Uses case study material from North America, Europe, Africa and Australasia.
- Reader-friendly, integrated, non-mathematical, first-principles textbook presenting one
of the fastest growing and important subjects in modern economics
- Contains copious computer simulation exercises, available in book and electronic format,
to encourage learning and understanding through application
- Truly international using case study material from North America, Europe, Africa and
Australasia
Contents
1. A first look at geography, trade and development; 2. Geography and economic theory;
3. The core model of geographical economics; 4. Solutions and simulations; 5. Geographical
economics and empirical evidence; 6. Refinements and extensions; 7. Cities and congestion:
the economics of Zipf's Law; 8. Agglomeration and international business; 9. The structure
of international trade; 10. Dynamics and economic growth; 11. The policy implications and
value added of geographical economics; References.
374 pages