The Tibet Statistics Bureau reports that average lifespan in the Tibet Autonomous Region has nearly doubled in the past 45 years, from 35.5 years in 1959 to 67 now. It is the fastest increase in lifespan on record in the region.

The population of Tibet increased from 1.1 million in 1951 to 2.7 million at present, with ethnic Tibetans making up 92 percent of the population.

According to the Institute of Traditional Tibetan Medicine of the University of Tibet, prolonged lifespan is attributable largely to economic and social development, with rising living standards, improved and guaranteed medical and health services and better living habits.

The central government has for many years implemented policies and programs to relieve poverty in Tibet. Some 393 towns in 34 counties were listed as key recipients of state aid.

The number of people whose per capita net income was below 1,300 yuan (US$157) annually--the regional poverty line--has dropped to 1.1 million from 1.5 million three years ago, a decline of 28 percent.

Regional per capita net income reached 1,690 yuan (US$204) in 2003, and the figure is expected to climb another 10 percent, to 1,850 yuan (US$223), in 2004.

(Xinhua News Agency June 8, 2004)