1. CHINA – 4 – Challenges facing urban communities
A LEVEL – UNIT 3A – Theme 6a
CHINA – 4 – Challenges facing urban communities

2. Theme 6a – Emerging Asia – China  
Key Question 1.1 What are the main physical and demographic characteristics of the country of China?
* A brief overview at the national scale of patterns of
(i) climate;
(ii) relief, drainage and water availability;
(iii) natural resources;
(iv) population distribution;
(v) regional differences in levels of development.
Key Question 1.2 Why and how is the economy changing?
* Changes in economic policies.
* New industries in the changing economy.
* Factors affecting the growth of new industries and the contrast between coastal areas and the
interior.
* Impact of the changing age structure on the economy.
Key Question 1.3 What are the economic and social challenges facing rural communities?
* Changes in the organisation of agriculture and rural economic communities.
* The effects of population policies in rural areas.
* The impacts and challenges for rural areas of migration.
* Social welfare services such as health and education.
* Sustainable development.

3. Key Question 1.4 What are the economic and social challenges facing urban communities?
* Changes in the organisation of economic activities in urban areas.
* Migration to urban areas and increasing social inequality.
* Social welfare services such as health, education and housing.
* Increasing rural-urban inequalities.
* Sustainable development in towns and cities.
Key Question 1.5 What are the effects of globalisation on China?
* The role of foreign firms in changing and developing the economy.
* The importance of exports and the role of the WTO.
* The economic and political impacts of China’s trade with the rest of the world.
Key Question 1.6 What are the environmental challenges and solutions facing China?
* The cause and consequences of
(i) soil erosion;
(ii) industrial pollution;
(iii) sustainable use of water resources;
(iv) the need for energy supplies.
* The balance between economic growth and sustainable development.