Although overall poverty is declining, there is a large number of poor people, mainly in the interior western provinces.
Meanwhile, changes to the state-run social security system have exposed vulnerable people, such as the elderly, women, children and disabled people, to unknown higher risks
ActionAid in China
ActionAid has been active in China since 1999, establishing a permanent office in 2001.
We work with the poorest communities, including farmers in Hebei and Guizhou Provinces and migrants in Beijing.
An estimated 100-150 million people have moved from the countryside to the cities, and this trend is expected to intensify. Yet migrants often experience poverty and social exclusion.
We work to strengthen and develop the skills of networks and organisations working with minorities on education, cultural, forest and land issues.
Promoting gender equity is a core priority. We aim to build self-confidence in women and create space for them to become active in local public life.
ActionAid-funded activity centres in Beijing provide a space for migrant women to meet and form informal support groups, and to talk to experts on parenting and health issues. They also offer educational and play activities for children.
"I go to the centre every day," says 12-year-old Li Jie. "I really feel part of the activities, and it has given me a broader future because they tell me I am good at things. It is part of my life, and if it was taken away from me a part of my heart would be lost too."
Essential Stats
| China | Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,334.3 million (2009) | 21.5 million (2009) |
| Area | 9,596,961 km2 | 7,703,581 km2 |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | $6206.76 billion (2009) | $970.6 billion (2009) |
| GDP per capita | $4648 (2009) | $44,598 (2009) |
| Human Development Index | 0.78 (2006) | 0.965 (2006) |
| Life expectancy male/female | 71/75 (2005-2010) | 79/84 (2005-2010) |
| Adult literacy (%) | 90.9 (2006) | 99 (1995-2005) |
Sources: IMF, UN Data, Human Development Index, UN Statistics
