An Introduction to Geographical Economics

The need for a better understanding of the role location plays in economic life was 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, first-principles textbook presenting geographical economics to advanced students. Although not avoiding advanced concepts, its emphasis is on examples, diagrams, and empirical evidence.