Overview of China

Profile

With Beijing as the political and cultural center, coastal cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen are known as world-leading economic hubs. Since the 1978 reform and opening up, the country has promoted "socialist market economy" introducing market mechanisms and achieved rapid industrialization. Manufacturing and exports have increased international presence, with GDP second globally after the US and first in purchasing power parity. However, multifaceted challenges include regional disparities, environmental pollution, aging, and ethnic minority issues. Composed of 56 ethnic groups with Han accounting for about 90%, each region retains distinct languages, food culture, and festivals. Diplomatically, as a permanent UN Security Council member, China expands influence promoting economic cooperation through initiatives like "Belt and Road."

Official name: People's Republic of China
Common name: China
Numeric code: 156
Alpha-3 code: CHN
Alpha-2 code: CN
Population: Approximately 1.41 billion (2023)
Population density: Approximately 147 persons/km2
Primary languages: Standard Chinese (Mandarin/Putonghua)
Major religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity, Folk beliefs
National anthem: March of the Volunteers
Calling code: +86
Internet TLD: .cn

History

Against a background of ancient dynasties, the Communist Party of China founded the People's Republic in 1949.

Following the fall of the Qing Dynasty and Republic of China period, the Chinese Civil War resumed after World War II. The Communist Party victory led to Mao Zedong's proclamation on October 1, 1949. After experiencing turmoil during the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, Deng Xiaoping's 1978 reform and opening became a turning point, achieving high growth through special economic zones and foreign capital introduction. WTO accession in 2001, hosting Beijing Olympics in 2008 summer and 2022 winter demonstrated national prestige. Under Xi Jinping's administration, pursuing "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," accelerating military modernization and digitalization, strengthening voice in international order.

Geography & climate

Diverse terrain from western Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas, Gobi Desert, Loess Plateau, eastern alluvial plains and Yangtze Delta, to southern subtropical karst landscapes.

Wide-area composite climate from subtropical monsoon to temperate continental

Area: Asia / 9596960 km²
Capital: Beijing
Largest city: Shanghai
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Qinghai Lake, Taihu Lake, Poyang Lake, Dongting Lake
Bordering countries: North Korea, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam

Natural resources

Coal, Petroleum, Natural gas, Iron ore, Rare earth, Tungsten, Gold, Copper, Hydropower resources, Bamboo forests, Soybeans, Tea leaves, Salt lake lithium, Fishery resources

Politics

Government: Socialist one-party republic under Communist Party of China

Economy

Currency: Renminbi (CNY)

GDP (nominal): 17.7 trillion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 30.3 trillion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Standard Chinese (Mandarin/Putonghua)

Time zone: China Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Han, Zhuang, Manchu, Hui, Miao, Uyghur, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol

Life expectancy

78.2 years

Literacy rate

97%

National sports

Table Tennis, Badminton, Basketball, Soccer, Wushu Tai Chi, Dragon Boat, Go, Chinese Chess