Chongqing is known to be the most populated municipality, a region with its own local government, in China. Chongqing was once a part of the Sichuan province but was separated in March 1997 dividing it into its own municipality in order for development to accelerate. The city is important in terms of is industrial output and is continuing to expand this area by urbanizing districts and adding floor space to meet the increasing demands for residential, commercial and factory space.
As part of Chongqing’s industrial trade the city is one of the largest motor vehicle producers in the whole of China. The companies headquartered here include leading makers of cars and motor bikes Changan Automotive Corp - China's fourth biggest automaker and Lifan Hongda Enterprise. The municipality is also a centre of iron and steel production in China and one of the three major aluminium producers.
Chongqing is the biggest inland river port in western China with the majority of its transportation being via the Yangtze River. The city is a major rail hub in south central China enabling the light rail transit and intercity railway to become the most popular modes of public transport alongside the metro and extensive bus system.
