Discussion Papers on Economics,
University of Southern Denmark, Department of Economics

Abstract: This paper proposes the hypothesis that genetic distance to the health frontier influences population health outcomes. Evidence from a world sample suggests that genetic distance - interpreted as long-term cultural and biological divergence - is an important factor in understanding health inequalities across countries. In particular, the paper documents a remarkably robust link between genetic distance and health as measured by life expectancy at birth and the adult survival rate. Also, the evidence reveals that the link has strengthened considerably over the 20th century which highlights the increasing effects of globalization on health conditions across countries through the transmission of health technologies.

Keywords: Population health; international diffusion of health technologies; globalization; cultural and biological divergence

JEL-codes: I12; I15; J10; N30; O11; O33

32 pages, September 1, 2011

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