By the end of 2004, China's urban living space per capita reached 24.97 square meters, with that in eastern areas 26.76 square meters, central areas 22.9 square meters and western areas 24.26 square meters, according to a report released by the Ministry of Construction on Friday.

By the end of 2004, the total residential living space in the country was 9.62 billion square meters, with that in the eastern area standing at 4.72 billion square meters, central area 2.82 billion square meters, and western area 2.08 billion square meters, according to the Ministry of Construction.

Thanks to the macro-control policies of the government, the real estate industry grew rapidly in 2004, and the living conditions for urban residents have improved, the ministry said.

Source: Xinhua