Newspaper and book publication can be seen as a (rough) indicator for the development of information resources - which are preconditions for political participation. As expected, Shanghai, Beijing and Tianjin have the highest density of newspaper and book publishers in China. In relation to their (relatively small) population, Tibet, Ningxia and Hainan also have a remarkably high density of these publishing houses. A very low density of newspaper and book publishers (in relation to their population) is reported from Guizhou, Hebei and - somewhat surprisingly - Chongqing.

General update: July 30, 2008