Inequality and Spatial Disparities in Tunisia

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to analyze spatial disparities between Tunisian's "delegations" by making up a Spatial Composite Index of Welfare (SCIW) according to a multidimensional perspective. The Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) enables an overview on regional disparities as regard to the main dimensions considered in the analysis. We use spatial econometrics models to show how variables related to regional development policies and economic openness can enhance or reduce the SCIW and assess, hence, their role in reducing spatial disparities. The results show that some "delegations" of the capital city Tunis, from cities of Sousse, Monastir and Sfax are significantly three favoured areas. However, there are at least two areas (composed of "delegations" from the regions of Northeast and Center-West) which are clearly disadvantaged The results of spatial econometric estimates show that economic liberalization and public policy of regional development have a positive impact on SCIW and enhance therefore the development of a set of "delegations" but reduce spatial inequalities in Tunisia only for coastal areas.