Regional convergence and divergence in Sweden, 1860–2010

Abstract

Since industrialization, Sweden has experienced an amazing growth trajectory. In 1850, Sweden was a quite poor and peripheral country, with GDP levels close to the world’s average. One and a half centuries later, Sweden ranks among the richest countries in the world with GDP levels more than three times the world’s average (Schon 2013). Yet apart from a few case studies and some industry studies, little is known about the geographical evolution of Sweden’s growth process. This chapter will fill in the gap by presenting estimates of Swedish regional GDPs for 24 counties corresponding to NUTS 3 regions from 1860 to 2010. Using this data set, we will present descriptive evidence on processes of regional convergence and divergence and discuss some tentative explanations for these patterns. (Less)