Income inequality in natural resource-rich countries: Empirical evidence from Chile

This thesis analyses how the degree of dependence on natural resources can help explain the persistently high levels of income inequality in Chile. Using data at the municipal level, it also explores the causal effect of income inequality on the level of efficiency of local authorities. Finally, given the social upheaval experienced in Chile in 2019, the thesis investigates the impact of economic and racial heterogeneity on the erosion of social cohesion in the country.