SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis is intended as a contribution to the study of capital formation in the context of the Iranian economy. It begins by examining with reference to Iran the problems that arise in trying to use the internationally recommended concepts, definitions and methods of estimating capital formation. (Part 1, Chapters 2 and 3). It goes on to analyse previous estimates of capital formation and to suggest ways of improving them. (Part 1, Chapter 4). Then follows my own estimate of Gross Domestic Fixed Capital Formation, which for the first time gives a consistent series from 1900, and an attempt to assess the reliability of this estimate, (Part 2, Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10). Finally, the thesis explores the possibilities of using this estimate to provide figures of capital formation for individual sectors of the economy. (Part 3, Chapter 11). In the process of producing a new estimate of capital formation it proved necessary to construct other new statistical series, especially on population, which I hope will also prove useful.