5.5

• How did Sydney's population grow between 2011 and 2015, and what was the main cause?

  Sydney's population rose by 9% to 4.8 million, mostly due to international migration.
• How many Sydney residents were born overseas, and what does this show?

  About 1.5 million residents were born overseas, showing Sydney's role as a global migration hub
• What makes Sydney economically successful?

  It's the financial centre of the Asia-Pacific, has Australia's highest Gross Regional Product (US$337 billion in 2013), and is home to half of Australia's top 500 companies.
• Why is Sydney attractive for businesses?

  It has a young workforce, high salaries, a good climate, a strong time zone for global trading, and deregulated banking policies.
• What is Sydney's average salary and workforce age?

  In 2015, average adult salaries were AU$82,000 and the median age was 36.
• How has government policy contributed to Sydney’s success?

  Policies encouraged globalisation by allowing foreign banks and attracting skilled international migrants.
• What are 'sun-belt' cities, and how does Sydney fit this model?

  Sun-belt cities are attractive, sunny locations drawing population growth; Sydney is one due to its environment and climate
• What is a 'gated community,' and why do they exist in Sydney?

  These are secure housing estates with staff and high service fees, attracting high-income earners in desirable urban areas.
• What caused the decline of the US Rust Belt?

  Overseas competition, mechanisation of coal mining, and industrial relocation to cheaper areas in the South.
• What is the current state of the US coal industry, and why does it continue?

  It survives mainly through government subsidies, without which it would collapse, causing a negative multiplier effect.
• How did job quality change in the Rust Belt?

  High-paying mining and steel jobs were replaced with low-wage jobs in retail and local services.
• What demographic and economic change occurred in Detroit from 2000 to 2013?

  The population fell by over 25%, reflecting widespread deindustrialisation and economic decline.
• What was the median household income in Beattyville in 2012, and how did it compare nationally?

  It was US$12,000—only 25% of the US national average.
• What social issues affect Beattyville?

  Over 50% of families lived below the poverty line, drug overdose deaths were common, and educational achievement was very low.
• What was the life expectancy for men in Beattyville, and how did it compare to the US average?

  It was 68.3 years, about eight years below the national average.