Living Conditions in the Colombian Caribbean,1985-2005: Persistence or Convergence?

Abstract

We evaluate the hypothesis of convergence in social indicators in the Caribbean Region of Colombia between 1985 and 2005. We contrast this with the patterns of convergence in the rest of the country, using the Index of Unsatisfied Basic Needs at the municipal level as an alternative measure of economic prosperity (or lack thereof). We also test for type β convergence by estimating densities in two and three dimensions. We find no evidence to support the hypothesis of convergence in the Colombian Caribbean coast. Instead we observe a persistence in their living conditions and a process of polarization of these within Colombia.