Desenvolvimento humano local: uma análise multivariada para os pequenos municípios em Minas Gerais

This paper aims to provide a comparative analysis of the socioeconomic reality of small municipalities in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais from the perspective of municipal human development, based on data from 2000 and 2010. To that end, we used cluster analysis and regression by OLS. The classification of municipalities in the cluster analysis revealed three clusters or groups, namely, low, intermediate and high local human development. Results indicate a relative importance of local economic conditions, as well as municipalities’ income concentration level and fiscal capacity, for increasing human development rate. Therefore, the study reinforces the importance of seeking balanced development by strengthening the links between economic growth and human development.