BIBLIOGRAPHY

Publications, working papers, and other research using data resources from IPUMS.

Full Citation

Title: Trade and the Topography of the Spatial Economy

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2014

Abstract: We develop a general equilibrium framework to determine the spatial distribution of economic activity on any surface with (nearly) any geography. Combining the gravity structure of trade with labor mobility, we provide conditions for the existence, uniqueness, and stability of a spatial economic equilibrium and derive a simple set of equations which govern the relationship between economic activity and the geography of the surface. We then use the framework to estimate the topography of trade costs, productivities and amenities in the United States. We find that geographic location accounts for at least twenty percent of the spatial variation in U.S. income. Finally, we calculate that the construction of the interstate highway system increased welfare by 1.1 to 1.4 percent, which is substantially larger than its cost.

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Allen, Treb

Periodical (Full): Quarterly Journal of Economics

Issue: 3

Volume: 129

Pages: 1085-1140

Data Collections: IPUMS USA, IPUMS NHGIS

Topics: Land Use/Urban Organization

Countries: United States

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop