四国の地域経済と住民生活(地域経済と生活者の安心,第25回研究大会共通論題シンポジウム)

抄録

This article describes the economic and social characteristics in Sikoku region. Sikoku's population continues to decrease since 1988 and has most aged structure in Japan. Economic activity has been weak with area-wide growth rate is zero in this decade. Prefectural income per capita of each prefecture in Sikoku has been below national level. However in term of disposable income per capita, Sikoku was above the nation till 2001. It means Sikoku economy largely depend on the transfer of sources from central government and social security funds. In recent years the fiscal reforms were implemented and state subsides were much reduced. Reflecting this, as well as economic downturn, measures of local government finance are also showing a marked dip. Reductions of public spending have large effect on public services including public hospital. The situations of community health care are getting worse and worse.