Total population of Tibet has grown from 2.5 million in 1997 to 3.0 million in 2011, representing a 22.3% growth over a period of 15 years. In 2011, the Tibetans comprise of 95% of the total provincial population. Urban residents make up 22.7% of the total provincial population, while 77.3% are rural residents.
Below is the chart of Tibet total population and trends from year 1997 - 2011:
Tibet’s economy has been growing rapidly especially ever since the reform and opening up in the late 1970s. Nominal GDP of Tibet province has climbed from 7.7 RMB billion in 1997 to 60.6 RMB billion in 2011, reflecting a 7.9 times increase over the years. Tibet has placed emphasis on increasing the income of farmers and herdsmen and constantly improving policy measures to support agricultural sector.
Below is the chart of nominal GDP and trends of Tibet province from year 1997 - 2011:
Living standards of the Tibetan population has been on a rising trend. Nominal GDP per capita of Tibet province has risen from 3,100 RMB in 1997 to 19,970 RMB in 2011, reflecting a 6.4 times increase over the years. In 2011, the disposable income of the urban residents reached 16,196 RMB - an increase of 8.1% from the previous year, while rural residents’ net income per capita reached
4,904 RMB, up 18.5% from 2010.
Below is the chart of Tibet nominal GDP per capita and trends from year 1997 - 2011:
The service sector plays an important role in Tibet’s economy growth. This is because in 2011, more than half (53%) of the provincial GDP is derived from the service industries. Tourism plays a crucial role to the province’s economic growth. Newly emerging service sectors such as modern commerce, tourism, posts and telecommunications, catering, cultural entertainment and information technology have also been developing rapidly. The construction sector contributes 27% to the provincial GDP, agricultural sector 12% and manufacturing contributes the least - 8% to the total GDP.
Below is the chart of Tibet GDP by agricultural sector, manufacturing sector, construction sector and service sector for the year 2011:
Tibet’s total investments in fixed assets have surged from 3.5 RMB billion in 1997 to 51.6 RMB billion in 2011, reflecting a 15 times growth over a period of 15 years. The implementation of the strategy for the development of China’s Western regions and the preferential policies offered by Tibet Autonomous Region are the two main factors for drawing increasing foreign investors to the region. Government has placed heavy emphasis on expanding the local tourism industry, thus, preparing to receive increasing number of tourist in the years to come. In addition, industries such as infrastructure, education and Tibetan medicine are being strongly encouraged.
Below is the chart of Tibet total investment in fixed assets and trends from year 1997 - 2011:
Source: China Market Research