ABSTRACT
The geographic area that constitutes the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region historically has been a transition zone for Chinese expansion. China will need to address geographic discrepancies or it will face serious political problems. Because of its geographic proximity and economic diversity, as well as its small population relative to the national core area of North China and Beijing, the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region (IMAR) will be a key factor in China's new geography. The eastern IMAR is most closely tied to developments in Manchuria. A modern economic geography based upon maximum homogeneity but recognizing distinct physical geographies can reduce this to three regions: eastern areas that abut Manchuria, the central region adjoining the North China Plain and Beijing areas, and the westernmost areas of greatest barrenness and lowest population, linked to Ningxia and Gansu provinces. The majority of the Mongols are concentrated in low-paying factory jobs or in agriculture (crops and animals).
