Our empirical framework for studying economic growth is the one described inBarro (2000) and Barro and Sala-i-Martin (2003, Ch. 12).
The dependent variable is the growth rate of per capita GDP over the periods 1965-75, 1975-85, and 1985-95.
The explanatory variables, suggested by previous studies, are the values at the start of each period of the log of per capita GDP, life expectancy, years of school attainment, and the total fertility rate; average ratios of investment and government consumption to GDP;
an openness measure based on the ratio of exports plus imports to GDP; changes in the
terms of trade; subjective measures of maintenance of the rule of law and democracy; and
the inflation rate.
In the present analysis, we add measures of religiosity to this list of explanatory variables.