A social accounting matrix for Corsica

The first social accounting matrix (SAM) for Corsica is proposed for the year 2003. This SAM is a comprehensive and economy-wide data framework representing the regional economy, including an input-output table for five sectors, a balance of payments between Corsica, other French continental regions and the rest of the world. The SAM provides the first coherent macroeconomic representation of the Corsican economy and allows for a consistent analysis of the relationships between key macroeconomic variables. It shows that the trade deficit of Corsica is 20% of GDP despite the significant contribution of tourism. This deficit is financed by net public transfers from the rest of France. A second contribution of the SAM is to open a new research agenda on the Corsican regional economy. In particular it will make a calibration of a regional Computable General Equilibrium Model possible.