Convergence in infant mortality rates: the Spanish regions case

Abstract

This paper studies the evolution of infant mortality rates in Spanish regions. Our results allow us to reject the null hypothesis of convergence, but we find the presence of several convergence clubs, which implies the existence of different patterns of behavior. We also find some degree of connection between the Great Recession and the evolution of infant mortality rates. The popula-tion density, the evolution of the labor market and the percentage of the female population that admits to having drunk alcoholic beverages in the previous two weeks are the factors that help us to explain the forces that drive the creation of the clubs.