The proportion of wealthy families in rural China increased to 28.2 percent in 2005, 6.6 percent higher than in 2004, according to the overseas edition of People's Daily on Thursday.

These families are concentrated in the east of China, amounting to almost 47.6 percent, while 24.6 percent are in central China and 1.3 percent is in the west.

The figures also indicate that the wealth of people in eastern rural areas is increasing and reasonably well distributed, while in western rural areas families are just beginning to enjoy a better standard of living.

China's goal is for all rural people to enjoy a better standard of living by 2020.

By People's Daily Online