Birmingham

Birmingham is a post-industrial city in the UK:

It is a city located in central England. It is a political, social and economic hub. During the 19th century, the growth of metalworking and heavy industry caused a boom in population and economic growth.

During the 1970s and 1980s, it suffered from deindustrialisation. The decline of the metalworking industries led to widespread unemployment, poverty and dereliction.

Urban regeneration programmes have helped to redevelop Birmingham's city centre. However, the city still suffers from social and economic issues:

• It is divided into rich and poor areas. The poorest areas tend to be close to the city centre like Sparkbrook and Aston, whereas richer areas tend to be further from the centre in more rural areas, for example, Sutton Coldfield.
• The average income in Handsworth, the poorest area of Birmingham, is £19,000 per annum, compared to £37,000 in Edgbaston, the richest area of Birmingham.
• Over 100,000 children live in poverty and many families rely on food banks.
• The average life expectancy for men is 8 years lower and 6 years lower for women in the most deprived areas than in the least deprived areas.
• 6% of the population are unemployed; unemployment is higher in poorer areas, such as Hodge Hill (10.7%), than in richer ares like Sutton Coldfield (1.6%).
• Crime rates in the city centre are high. In 2016, an average of around 1,100 crimes were reported every month. The most common crimes were anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. However, in comparison, only 270 crimes a month were reported on average in Edgbaston.
• The population is ethnically diverse. In 2011, 40% of the population were non-white. The largest minority groups were Pakistanis (13%), followed by Black or Black British (9%). There are social and economic inequalities between ethnic communities. For example:

- Life expectancy is higher in areas with a majority white population than in minority communities.

- White families are more likely than minority groups to be homeowners - 64% of white people own their home, compared to 48% of Bangladeshi's and 29% of Black Africans.

- Many ethnic minorities face prejudice and discrimination.

Birmingham's physical environment affects environmental sustainability:

Birmingham's environment has improved since the industrial decline of the 1970s and 1980s, but there are still issues:

• Air pollution - some areas of central Brimingham have very poor air quality. Air pollution can cause acid rain; this may contribute to…