This book is truly breath-taking. Sherif Khalifa has not only managed to survey the entire relevant literature connecting geography, culture, religion and institutions with economic growth and development, but also makes a convincing case for geography being the primary determinant of economic development. This book is highly recommended for anybody interested in ‘the big picture’ and is mandatory reading for policy makers.

Stefan Voigt, The University of Hamburg

There is a huge and very influential body of literature that argues that geography profoundly matters for economic development. Geography and the Wealth of Nations masterfully summarizes and takes stock of this diverse literature while also contributing important original insights. The topics it explores run the gamut from the impact of climate to that of diseases to topsoil to natural resources. It also responds, quite convincingly, to important criticisms against the geography thesis, including the claim that geography only has an indirect effect and that its legacies are blunted by the diffusion of technology across borders. Provocatively, Sherif Khalifa argues that, even if geography works through institutions or other mediating factors to affect capital accumulation and productivity, geography also explains differences in religion, language, culture, significant historical ruptures, politics, and even ethnicity. This is a provocative and much-needed contribution to the literature on not only economic development, but also political science, anthropology, sociology, history, and, of course, geography. It is a must read!

Victor Menaldo, University of Washington

Geography lurks everywhere in the process of economic development, but its influence is far more subtle and controversial than correlations of latitude and income per capita would suggest. Readers of all kinds, from undergraduates to experienced scholars, will therefore derive enormous benefit from Sherif Khalifa’s lucid, comprehensive discussion of the direct and indirect effects of geography on the course of economic history.

Philip Keefer, principle economic advisor, Inter-American Development Bank

In Geography and the Wealth of Nations, Sherif Khalifa provides a wide-ranging and accessible overview of many of the major themes in economic development. For a broad set of issues, including the roles of corruption, religion, and democracy in economic growth, Khalifa outlines not only the big ideas, but also what we have learned from over three decades of research in economics. Without falling into the trap of determinism, Khalifa shows the deep and often surprising part played by geography in each of these issues and, ultimately, in economic development.

James Fenske, The University of Warwick