Desenvolvimento sócio-econômico e hierarquização dos municípios cearenses

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to apply factorial analysis through the "Principal Components Method" in aspects of the socio economic modernization of counties in the state of Ceará. The first step in the analysis was the selection of variables which generated thirty-three indicators. Following this step and aiming at the consolidation of those indicators, a series of indexes were defined which allowed an ordering of the counties. The results indicate that the majority of counties are in a state of under-development with the exception of a few ones such as Fortaleza, Morada Nova, Limoeiro do Norte, Iguatu, Juazeiro do Norte and Crato.