China Facts

China, East Asian State; 9.6 million km², 1,392.7 million residents (2019), including Hong Kong.China is the world’s most populous state and the third largest on the surface. It borders 14 states, and the border is not uncontroversial everywhere; China counts the island of Taiwan off the east coast as an integral part of the country and further claims thousands of strategically located small islands and atolls in the South China Sea. Especially disputed there are the Paracel Islands and the Sprat Islands. The border border with the Russian Federation in the northeast and India in the southwest has also been questioned at times.

In southern China, on the west side of the estuary of the Zhu Jiang (Pearl River), lies the former Portuguese territory of Macao, which was taken over by China on December 20, 1999. Since 1949, China’s official statistics have included Taiwan, as well as Hong Kong and Macao, which are considered part of Guangdong Province, during a transitional phase under non-Chinese administration.

Apart from Taiwan, China is divided into 22 provinces, five autonomous regions, two special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macao) and four municipalities with provinces status (see table ). China’s capital is Beijing (16.4 million residents, 2010). For a list of China’s major cities, see table.

Country facts

• Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo / People’s Republic of China
• Country abbreviation: CN
• Area: 9.6 million km²
• Population (2019): 1,392.7 million residents
• Capital: Beijing
• Main language: Chinese
• State: Republic
• Head of State: Xi Jinping (President)
• Head of Government: Li Keqiang
• Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 9,771
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 9,470
• Currency unit: 1 yuan = 100 fen
• Currency code: CNY
• Country number (telephony): 86
• Internet domain name: cn
• Time difference compared to Sweden: +7
• National Day: October 1 (the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China, 1949)

Nature

• Land use: forest (14%), agricultural land (10%), other (76%)
• Highest mountain: Mount Everest (8,848 m above sea level)
• Longest river: Chang Jiang (6,300 km)

Population

• Population density (2019): 145 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): 0.4%; birth rate 11 ‰, death rate 7 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (18%), 15-64 (70%), 65- (12%)
• Average life expectancy (2019): men 75 years, women 79 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 10 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 1,367 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.752 (place 86 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 60%
• Most populous cities (2009): Shanghai (16 million residents), Beijing (7.8 million), Chongqing (4.6 million)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (8%), industry (40%), service (52%)
• Exports (2017): USD 2,216,000 million
• Main export products: electronic equipment, machinery, plastic products
• Main exporting countries: USA, Japan, South Korea
• Imports (2017): US $ 1 740 000 million
• Main import products: machinery, oil
• Main importing countries: South Korea, Japan, USA
• Railway network (20018): 131,000 km

Geography

Location and Borders

China, the world’s most populous country, is located in East Asia and is bordered by 14 countries, making it one of the countries with the most neighbors in the world. It shares borders with India, Russia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. The country is also bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, providing it with access to important international sea routes.

Spanning about 9.6 million square kilometers (3.7 million square miles), China is the third-largest country by land area in the world, after Russia and Canada. Its vast territory covers a wide range of geographical features, including mountains, plateaus, plains, and river valleys. This diversity in geography contributes to China’s complex climate and supports the country’s extensive agricultural, industrial, and natural resource sectors.

Topography and Natural Features

China’s topography is incredibly diverse, with large mountain ranges, vast plateaus, extensive river systems, and rich agricultural plains. The Tibetan Plateau, located in the southwest, is known as “the Roof of the World,” and is the highest and largest plateau on Earth. Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, lies on the border between China and Nepal, part of the Himalayas, which stretches through Tibet.

In the central and eastern regions of China, the landscape shifts to expansive river valleys, such as the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, which have played a crucial role in the development of Chinese civilization for thousands of years. The Yangtze River is the longest in Asia, and the Yellow River is known as the “cradle of Chinese civilization,” providing fertile soil and abundant water resources for agriculture.

To the north of China, the country is bordered by the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert and other arid regions. The climate in these areas is extremely dry, and the landscape consists of sand dunes, rocky deserts, and grasslands. China’s eastern coast is characterized by coastal plains, rich with fertile soil that supports intensive agriculture, particularly rice farming.

Climate and Seasonal Variation

China’s climate is highly diverse due to its vast size and varied topography. The northern parts of China experience a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The northeastern regions, including areas like Harbin, are known for their frigid winters, with temperatures plunging to -30°C (-22°F) or lower. These areas experience snowfall and long winters, with the best seasons for agriculture occurring in the warmer summer months.

In the central and southern regions, China has a temperate climate with more moderate temperatures. These regions, which include major cities like Beijing, Xi’an, and Wuhan, experience four distinct seasons: a hot, humid summer; a mild spring and autumn; and a cold winter with occasional snow.

The southern parts of China, including areas like Guangzhou and Hong Kong, have a subtropical climate. These regions experience mild winters and hot, humid summers, with significant rainfall during the monsoon season from May to August. The climate here is ideal for rice cultivation, which is a key staple crop in southern China.

In the west, especially in Tibet and the Xinjiang region, China’s climate is generally dry and cold due to its high elevation. The Tibetan Plateau, for example, experiences cold temperatures year-round, with snow-covered peaks even in summer. The western regions are also characterized by desert and mountain climates, where water resources are scarce, and agriculture is limited.

People

Population and Demographics

China is the most populous country in the world, with an estimated population of over 1.4 billion people. This population is spread across a vast and diverse geographical area, with urban areas such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou housing millions of people. The rapid urbanization of China in recent decades has led to the rise of mega-cities, where a large portion of the population now lives. However, rural areas still account for a significant portion of the population, especially in the central and western regions of the country.

China’s population is also notable for its ethnic diversity. The Han Chinese make up approximately 92% of the population, with the remaining 8% consisting of various ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang, Hui, Uighur, Tibetan, and Mongol peoples. Each of these ethnic groups has its own distinct cultural, linguistic, and religious traditions, contributing to the rich tapestry of Chinese society.

China has also experienced significant demographic changes in recent decades, particularly in response to government policies. For example, the one-child policy, which was implemented in 1979 and phased out in 2015, had a lasting effect on the country’s population growth and gender ratio. China’s aging population and the imbalance between the number of young and elderly people are emerging challenges, as the country now faces the issue of a shrinking workforce.

Languages

Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. Mandarin is based on the Beijing dialect and serves as the lingua franca among different ethnic and linguistic groups across the country. The Chinese government promotes Mandarin as a way to unify the country linguistically, and it is taught in schools nationwide.

In addition to Mandarin, China is home to hundreds of other languages and dialects, many of which belong to different language families. Cantonese, spoken in Guangdong province and Hong Kong, is one of the most widely spoken Chinese languages. Other major regional languages include Shanghainese, Hakka, and various Tibetan and Uighur dialects, which are spoken by ethnic minorities in their respective regions.

Many Chinese people also speak English, especially in urban areas and among younger generations. English has become increasingly important in business, education, and international diplomacy. However, the use of English is generally concentrated in specific sectors and is not as widespread as Mandarin.

Religion

China is officially an atheist country, with the government promoting secularism and limiting the influence of religion in public life. However, religious beliefs remain an important part of the cultural fabric for many Chinese people, particularly in rural areas.

The largest religion in China is Buddhism, which has been practiced in the country for over 2,000 years. Buddhism, along with Confucianism and Taoism, has deeply influenced Chinese culture and philosophy. Today, Chinese Buddhism is practiced in a variety of forms, with temples and monasteries scattered throughout the country, especially in the more rural regions.

Another significant religion in China is Islam, particularly among ethnic minorities like the Uighurs, who primarily reside in the Xinjiang region. Islam has been practiced in China for over a millennium, and the Uighur people have their own distinct cultural practices tied to Islamic faith.

Christianity, including both Protestantism and Catholicism, has also grown in China in recent decades, especially among urban populations. While the government tightly controls religious practices and places restrictions on religious groups, Christianity has a substantial and growing presence, with underground churches operating in many parts of the country.

Traditional Chinese religions, such as ancestor worship and practices tied to Confucianism, Taoism, and folk beliefs, continue to influence daily life. Festivals like Chinese New Year, which include ancestor veneration, remain central to Chinese cultural identity.

Economy

Overview

China’s economy is the second-largest in the world, after the United States, and it has experienced rapid growth over the past few decades. The country’s transformation from a primarily agrarian society to an industrial and technological powerhouse has been one of the most remarkable economic changes in history. China has become the “world’s factory,” with its vast labor force and manufacturing capacity producing everything from electronics to textiles.

The government has played a key role in guiding the country’s economic development through a combination of market reforms and state control. Since the late 1970s, China has moved toward a more market-oriented economy under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, who introduced the “Reform and Opening-up” policies. These policies allowed private enterprise to flourish, while still maintaining strict control over key sectors such as energy, banking, and telecommunications.

Today, China is a global leader in manufacturing, technology, and trade. The country is the world’s largest exporter and second-largest importer of goods. Its economy is highly dependent on exports, but the government is increasingly focusing on shifting toward a consumption-driven economy and expanding domestic services.

Industry and Manufacturing

China’s industrial sector is the backbone of its economy, with manufacturing accounting for a significant portion of GDP. The country is the world’s largest producer of electronics, machinery, textiles, and steel. Major cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Shanghai have become global manufacturing hubs, home to factories that produce goods for international markets.

In addition to its role as the “world’s factory,” China has become a leader in high-tech industries, including telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. Chinese companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and Alibaba are global players in the tech industry, and China is investing heavily in emerging technologies like 5G networks and electric vehicles.

The country’s industrial base is complemented by its extensive infrastructure, including modern ports, airports, highways, and railways. China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure project, aims to connect China to other parts of the world through trade routes, and it has bolstered the country’s global influence in trade and investment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Although China has transformed into an industrial powerhouse, agriculture remains an important sector of the economy, employing a significant portion of the population. China is the world’s largest producer of rice and is also a leading producer of wheat, potatoes, and various fruits and vegetables. The country’s agricultural output feeds its enormous population, and it plays a vital role in the global food market.

China is also rich in natural resources, including coal, rare earth metals, and oil. It is the largest producer and consumer of coal, which powers much of its energy generation. The country is a major importer of oil and natural gas but is working to diversify its energy sources through renewable energy investments, such as solar and wind power. China’s leadership in the renewable energy sector is part of its strategy to combat environmental pollution and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

Services and Finance

The services sector in China has grown rapidly in recent years, with retail, finance, and telecommunications being key drivers of economic growth. The country has a booming digital economy, with platforms like Alibaba and Tencent revolutionizing e-commerce, finance, and entertainment. Online shopping, digital payments, and social media are integral to everyday life in China, and the country leads the world in internet users and mobile phone penetration.

China’s financial sector has expanded, with major banks like the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) becoming global players in finance. The country’s financial markets are evolving, with stock exchanges in Shanghai and Shenzhen playing key roles in capital markets. However, China’s financial system remains heavily regulated, with the government maintaining control over interest rates, currency exchange, and foreign investment.

Government

Political System

China is a single-party state, with the Communist Party of China (CPC) holding ultimate power over the country’s governance. The president of China is the head of state, while the premier is the head of government. However, real power is held by the general secretary of the Communist Party, who is the most influential political leader. The current president, Xi Jinping, has consolidated power and is seen as one of the most powerful leaders in China’s history.

China’s political system is highly centralized, and the government exercises significant control over many aspects of society, including the economy, media, education, and civil society. While China has made some reforms to its political system, particularly in economic policy, the CPC retains strict control over political expression, opposition parties, and individual freedoms.

The National People’s Congress (NPC) is the country’s legislative body, but it is largely a rubber-stamp institution for policies proposed by the Communist Party. Although elections are held at the local level, candidates are often chosen by the Party, and there is no competitive multi-party system.

Legal System

China’s legal system is based on civil law, with strong influences from socialist law. The judiciary is not independent, and courts are subject to the authority of the Communist Party. Legal reforms have been introduced in recent years to improve the efficiency and fairness of the legal system, but the lack of political freedom and the dominance of the Party often leads to issues with legal transparency and fairness.

Human rights organizations frequently criticize the legal system for its treatment of political dissidents, human rights activists, and ethnic minorities. The Chinese government has been accused of using the legal system to suppress dissent, particularly in regions like Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong.

Foreign Relations

China is a global power and has become increasingly assertive in international politics. It has significant influence in global organizations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and World Health Organization. China’s growing economic and political influence has led to stronger ties with developing countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to create infrastructure and trade links across the world.

China’s relations with the United States and other Western countries have been complex, with tensions over issues such as trade, human rights, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Despite these tensions, China’s economic integration into the global economy has made it an essential partner in global trade, and it continues to expand its influence through diplomacy, economic investment, and military power.

Culture

Arts and Music

Chinese culture is one of the world’s oldest and most influential. Its traditions in the arts, including painting, sculpture, and literature, date back thousands of years. Traditional Chinese art emphasizes harmony, balance, and symbolism, with classical forms like landscape painting and calligraphy playing a central role in cultural expression.

Chinese music is similarly ancient, with instruments such as the guzheng (a plucked string instrument) and the erhu (a two-stringed bowed instrument) integral to traditional performances. Over time, China’s music has evolved to incorporate Western influences, particularly in pop and classical music.

The Chinese film industry, particularly in Hong Kong and mainland China, has become an important cultural export. Directors like Zhang Yimou and Ang Lee have gained international acclaim for their works, which blend traditional Chinese themes with global cinematic trends.

Cuisine

Chinese cuisine is one of the most diverse and influential in the world, with regional variations that reflect the country’s vast geographical and cultural diversity. The four main regional cuisines are Cantonese, Sichuan, Shandong, and Jiangsu, each known for its distinct flavors and techniques.

Cantonese cuisine, for example, emphasizes fresh ingredients and delicate flavors, while Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold, spicy dishes that use chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. The variety of Chinese food includes dishes like Peking duck, dim sum, hotpot, dumplings, and noodles, all of which have become popular worldwide.

Tea is also an important part of Chinese culture, and the country is the birthplace of tea. Chinese tea ceremonies, particularly the art of gongfu tea, focus on the preparation and appreciation of tea as both a cultural and meditative practice.

Festivals and Traditions

China’s cultural calendar is filled with festivals that celebrate its rich history and traditions. The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most significant holiday, marked by family reunions, fireworks, feasts, and traditional performances such as lion dances. Other important festivals include the Mid-Autumn Festival, which celebrates the harvest moon, and the Qingming Festival, which is dedicated to honoring ancestors.

Traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, and Confucian teachings have also had a profound impact on Chinese culture, emphasizing balance, harmony, and respect for the elderly and ancestors. These traditions continue to play a central role in everyday life, both in China and among Chinese communities abroad.

Religion

Religious practice in China is diverse, with influences from Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and other belief systems. Buddhism, introduced to China from India, has had a major impact on Chinese culture, particularly in art, philosophy, and practices related to meditation and the afterlife. Taoism, which originated in China, emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (the way), and Confucianism, with its focus on social harmony, ethics, and familial piety, has shaped Chinese values for thousands of years.

While religion is an important part of cultural life, the Chinese government has maintained strict control over religious practices, particularly in recent years. Churches, temples, and mosques are subject to government regulation, and religious groups are required to register with the government. Religious minorities, particularly in Tibet and Xinjiang, have faced persecution in recent years, contributing to global human rights concerns.

China Map