The per capita disposable incomes of the urban and rural residents in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region averaged 8,411 yuan (US$1,051) and 2,075 yuan (US$259) respectively in 2005, up 30.4 percent and 55.9 percent over the 2000 level.

A latest report on the regional social and economic development said the absolute majority of the Tibetans had been lifted out of poverty and started a better life by the end of 2005.

 

Between 2001 and 2005, the southwestern autonomous region created 64,000 new jobs for the urban dwellers and the registered urban unemployment rate was kept within 4.3 percent.

 

By the end of 2005, at least 85 percent of the local population had gained access to radio and TV. About 60 percent of the population had received nine-year compulsory education, and the illiteracy rate among the young people had been reduced to 15 percent.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2006)