Country	China
Capital	Beijing
Continent	Asia
Currency	Renminbi(yuan)(CNY)
Languages	Standard Chinese, Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur & Zhuang

Locaion

Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam

Geographic Co ordinates

35 00 N, 105 00 E

Land Boundries

Total:22,117 km
Border countries:Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km, Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Mongolia 4,677 km, Nepal 1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest) 40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km
regional borders: Hong Kong 30 km, Macau 0.34 km

Geography - note

world's fourth largest country (after Russia, Canada, and US); Mount Everest on the border with Nepal is the world's tallest peak

Population

1,330,141,295 (July 2010 est.)
Country comparison to the world:1

Nationality

Noun:Chinese (singular and plural)
Adjective:Chinese

Ethnic groups

Han Chinese 91.5%, Zhuang, Manchu, Hui, Miao, Uyghur, Tujia, Yi, Mongol, Tibetan, Buyi, Dong, Yao, Korean, and other nationalities 8.5% (2000 census)

Religions

Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Christian 3%-4%, Muslim 1%-2%
note: officially atheist (2002 est.)

Languages

Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages (see Ethnic groups entry)

Country Name

Conventional long form:People's Republic of China
Conventional short form: China
Local long form:Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo
Local short form:Zhongguo
abbreviation: PRC

Government Type

Communist state

Capital

Name:Beijing
Geographic coordinates:39 55 N, 116 23 E
Time difference:UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
note: despite its size, all of China falls within one time zone; many people in Xinjiang Province observe an unofficial "Xinjiang timezone" of UTC+6, two hours behind Beijing

Administrative divisions

23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous regions (zizhiqu, singular and plural), and 4 municipalities (shi, singular and plural)
provinces: Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang; (see note on Taiwan)
autonomous regions: Guangxi, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Xinjiang Uygur, Xizang (Tibet)
municipalities: Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Tianjin
note: China considers Taiwan its 23rd province; see separate entries for the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau

Independence

221 BC (unification under the Qin Dynasty); 1 January 1912 (Qing Dynasty replaced by the Republic of China); 1 October 1949 (People's Republic of China established)

National Holiday

Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 1 October (1949)

Constitution

most recent promulgation 4 December 1982 with amendments in 1988, 1993, 2004

Legal system

based on civil law system; derived from Soviet and continental civil code legal principles; legislature retains power to interpret statutes; constitution ambiguous on judicial review of legislation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch

Chief of state: President HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003); Vice President XI Jinping (since 15 March 2008)
Head of government:Premier WEN Jiabao (since 16 March 2003); Executive Vice Premier LI Keqiang (17 March 2008), Vice Premier HUI Liangyu (since 17 March 2003), Vice Premier ZHANG Deijiang (since 17 March 2008), and Vice Premier WANG Qishan (since 17 March 2008)
Cabinet:State Council appointed by National People's Congress
(For more information visit the World Leaders website)
Elections:president and vice president elected by National People's Congress for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 15-17 March 2008 (next to be held in mid-March 2013); premier nominated by president, confirmed by National People's Congress
Election results:HU Jintao elected president by National People's Congress with a total of 2,963 votes; XI Jinping elected vice president with a total of 2,919 votes

Legislative branch

unicameral National People's Congress or Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (2,987 seats; members elected by municipal, regional, and provincial people's congresses, and People's Liberation Army to serve five-year terms)
Elections: last held in December 2007-February 2008 (date of next election to be held in late 2012 to early 2013)
Election results:percent of vote - NA; seats - 2,987
note: only members of the CCP, its eight allied parties, and sympathetic independent candidates are elected

Judicial branch

Supreme People's Court (judges appointed by the National People's Congress); Local People's Courts (comprise higher, intermediate, and basic courts); Special People's Courts (primarily military, maritime, railway transportation, and forestry courts)

Political Parties and Leaders

Chinese Communist Party or CCP [HU Jintao]; eight registered small parties controlled by CCP

Political pressure groups and leaders

no substantial political opposition groups exist

International organization participation

ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, APT, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS, CDB, CICA, EAS, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24 (observer), G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SCO, SICA (observer), UN, UN Security Council, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US

Chief of mission:Ambassador ZHANG Yesui
Chancery:3505 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone:[1] (202) 495-2000
FAX:[1] (202) 495-2190
Consulate(s) general:Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US

Chief of mission:Ambassador Jon M. HUNTSMAN, Jr.
Embassy:55 An Jia Lou Lu, 100600 Beijing
Mailing address:PSC 461, Box 50, FPO AP 96521-0002
Telephone: [86] (10) 8531-3000
FAX:[86] (10) 8531-3300
consulate(s) general: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan

Flag description

red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller yellow five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the middle of the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner; the color red represents revolution, while the stars symbolize the four social classes - the working class, the peasantry, the urban petty bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie (capitalists) - united under the Communist Party of China

Video

View Larger Map

Government - Government online Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Education
Newspapers -  China Daily Shanghai Daily The Standard People's Daily XINHUANEWS
                              Overseas Chinese Web BJD News Dayoo Ming Pao News Sing Tao
Tourism -         Ministry of Tourism

Google News

Xi’s Enforcers Punished Nearly a Million in 2025—and China’s Leader Wants More - The Wall Street JournalXi’s Enforcers Punished Nearly a Million in 2025—and China’s Leader Wants More  The Wall Street Journal China blocks Nvidia H200 AI chips that US government cleared for export – report - The GuardianChina blocks Nvidia H200 AI chips that US government cleared for export – report  The Guardian Apple has reportedly set another 'China record', thanks to … - Times of IndiaApple has reportedly set another 'China record', thanks to …  Times of India Europe Relies Too Much on China for Drugs, Fresenius CEO Warns - Bloomberg.comEurope Relies Too Much on China for Drugs, Fresenius CEO Warns  Bloomberg.com Golden Dome and the Greenland gambit: How Trump’s Arctic obsession is rattling Russia and China - Times of IndiaGolden Dome and the Greenland gambit: How Trump’s Arctic obsession is rattling Russia and China  Times of India Asia-Pacific markets mostly slip as investors assess Greenland developments, await key China data - CNBCAsia-Pacific markets mostly slip as investors assess Greenland developments, await key China data  CNBC Opponents of China’s mega-embassy rally in London as approval deadline nears - CNNOpponents of China’s mega-embassy rally in London as approval deadline nears  CNN China Unveils Its Davos Playbook To Challenge Donald Trump's World Order - NDTVChina Unveils Its Davos Playbook To Challenge Donald Trump's World Order  NDTV China Birth Rate Hits Lowest Since 1949 In Blow To Baby Drive - NDTVChina Birth Rate Hits Lowest Since 1949 In Blow To Baby Drive  NDTV China’s population shrinks for fourth year as births plunge despite incentives - Telegraph IndiaChina’s population shrinks for fourth year as births plunge despite incentives  Telegraph India China birthrate shrinks to lowest on record as policies fail to to lift births - CNBCChina birthrate shrinks to lowest on record as policies fail to to lift births  CNBC China battles price wars in fight against deflation - Financial TimesChina battles price wars in fight against deflation  Financial Times China’s Economy in 2025: GDP Reaches 5.0% Growth Despite Challenges - China BriefingChina’s Economy in 2025: GDP Reaches 5.0% Growth Despite Challenges  China Briefing China’s GDP grows 5% in 2025 as exports offset weak domestic outlook - Financial TimesChina’s GDP grows 5% in 2025 as exports offset weak domestic outlook  Financial Times China's birth rate hits record low as population continues to shrink - BBCChina's birth rate hits record low as population continues to shrink  BBC China’s economy hit growth target last year despite Trump trade war and property crisis - The GuardianChina’s economy hit growth target last year despite Trump trade war and property crisis  The Guardian China hits 2025 GDP growth target on export boom, but can't shake domestic chill - ReutersChina hits 2025 GDP growth target on export boom, but can't shake domestic chill  Reuters China fourth-quarter growth slows to 4.5%, weakest in nearly three years as consumption misses forecasts - CNBCChina fourth-quarter growth slows to 4.5%, weakest in nearly three years as consumption misses forecasts  CNBC Beijing renews call on US against using ‘China threat’ as 'pretext' to take over Greenland - Anadolu AjansiBeijing renews call on US against using ‘China threat’ as 'pretext' to take over Greenland  Anadolu Ajansi Steel production in China fell to a seven-year low in 2025 - GMK CenterSteel production in China fell to a seven-year low in 2025  GMK Center China Smartphone Shipments Slip 1.6% YoY in Q4 2025; Apple Leads With 22% Share - Counterpoint Technology Market ResearchChina Smartphone Shipments Slip 1.6% YoY in Q4 2025; Apple Leads With 22% Share  Counterpoint Technology Market Research Landslides triggered by Typhoon Doksuri in northern China in July 2023 - eos.orgLandslides triggered by Typhoon Doksuri in northern China in July 2023  eos.org "$109 A Month": Studio Apartment In China Goes Viral For Its Surprising Affordability - NDTV"$109 A Month": Studio Apartment In China Goes Viral For Its Surprising Affordability  NDTV China Polyamide Prices Edge Higher in Early January 2026 on Rising Costs and Steady Demand - ChemAnalystChina Polyamide Prices Edge Higher in Early January 2026 on Rising Costs and Steady Demand  ChemAnalyst China’s birth rate drops to record low as economy hits target despite US trade war - CNNChina’s birth rate drops to record low as economy hits target despite US trade war  CNN China hits 5% growth goal, but weak demand tells another story - Euronews.comChina hits 5% growth goal, but weak demand tells another story  Euronews.com China hits growth goal after exports defy US tariffs - BBCChina hits growth goal after exports defy US tariffs  BBC China’s population falls again as birthrate drops 17% to record low - The GuardianChina’s population falls again as birthrate drops 17% to record low  The Guardian China registers lowest number of births since records began - Financial TimesChina registers lowest number of births since records began  Financial Times China's economy rises 5% in 2025 as GDP hits record high - Fibre2FashionChina's economy rises 5% in 2025 as GDP hits record high  Fibre2Fashion China's birth rate hits record low: Why Chinese youth aren't having kids - Business StandardChina's birth rate hits record low: Why Chinese youth aren't having kids  Business Standard China’s $7 Trillion Cash Pile Is Shifting Into Stocks, Gold - Bloomberg.comChina’s $7 Trillion Cash Pile Is Shifting Into Stocks, Gold  Bloomberg.com China Methanol Prices Rise 3.8% Amid Supply Disruptions and Geopolitical Concerns - ChemAnalystChina Methanol Prices Rise 3.8% Amid Supply Disruptions and Geopolitical Concerns  ChemAnalyst Have US tariffs failed to bite? China’s trade surplus hits a record $1.2 trillion - Down To EarthHave US tariffs failed to bite? China’s trade surplus hits a record $1.2 trillion  Down To Earth From SEZ To ODOP: Is India Following China's Path To Development? - SwarajyamagFrom SEZ To ODOP: Is India Following China's Path To Development?  Swarajyamag KAnalysis establishes Intellectual Property Representative Office in China - Bar and BenchKAnalysis establishes Intellectual Property Representative Office in China  Bar and Bench The Growth of China’s Navy: Past, Present, and Future - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineThe Growth of China’s Navy: Past, Present, and Future  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine China’s Economy Grows 5% in 2025 on Strong Exports - EquitypanditChina’s Economy Grows 5% in 2025 on Strong Exports  Equitypandit China's retail sales rise 3.7% in 2025 as consumption steadies - Fibre2FashionChina's retail sales rise 3.7% in 2025 as consumption steadies  Fibre2Fashion China’s Birthrate Plunges to Lowest Level Since 1949 - The New York TimesChina’s Birthrate Plunges to Lowest Level Since 1949  The New York Times iPhone tops China market after shipments soar - The Economic TimesiPhone tops China market after shipments soar  The Economic Times China says GDP grew 5% in 2025, among weakest expansions in decades - Al JazeeraChina says GDP grew 5% in 2025, among weakest expansions in decades  Al Jazeera How America Can Stop Getting Played by China - Foreign AffairsHow America Can Stop Getting Played by China  Foreign Affairs China curbs ‘flash boys’ access to exchange data, sources say - ReutersChina curbs ‘flash boys’ access to exchange data, sources say  Reuters China launches internet satellites into space - Anadolu AjansiChina launches internet satellites into space  Anadolu Ajansi Iron ore hits two-week low on China property woes - ET AutoIron ore hits two-week low on China property woes  ET Auto China December new home prices fall again; annual decline steepest in five months - The Economic TimesChina December new home prices fall again; annual decline steepest in five months  The Economic Times China economy poised to hit 2025 growth target despite weaker Q4, outlook darkens - ReutersChina economy poised to hit 2025 growth target despite weaker Q4, outlook darkens  Reuters China ramps up Belt and Road spending to record levels in 2025 - MoneycontrolChina ramps up Belt and Road spending to record levels in 2025  Moneycontrol India’s retreat from Russian oil sends China’s Urals imports to a nearly three-year high - The Economic TimesIndia’s retreat from Russian oil sends China’s Urals imports to a nearly three-year high  The Economic Times ASM International Logs Strong Orders as China Business, Advanced Tech Pick Up - The Wall Street JournalASM International Logs Strong Orders as China Business, Advanced Tech Pick Up  The Wall Street Journal China: Population sinks for fourth year in a row - DW.comChina: Population sinks for fourth year in a row  DW.com Analysis: Capture of Maduro unlikely to alter China’s approach to Taiwan - JanesAnalysis: Capture of Maduro unlikely to alter China’s approach to Taiwan  Janes ASM International's bookings beat market view as China orders rebound - The Economic TimesASM International's bookings beat market view as China orders rebound  The Economic Times Renewables push China's fossil-fuelled power into first annual drop in 10 years - ET AutoRenewables push China's fossil-fuelled power into first annual drop in 10 years  ET Auto China's 2025 economic growth among slowest in decades - The Japan TimesChina's 2025 economic growth among slowest in decades  The Japan Times Real Estate Crash Weighs on China’s Economic Growth - The New York TimesReal Estate Crash Weighs on China’s Economic Growth  The New York Times China Reports Robust Economic Growth, Thanks to Resilient Exports - The Wall Street JournalChina Reports Robust Economic Growth, Thanks to Resilient Exports  The Wall Street Journal China Population Shrinks to Historic Low - Rediff MoneyWizChina Population Shrinks to Historic Low  Rediff MoneyWiz ASM International's bookings beat market view as China orders rebound - The Sunday GuardianASM International's bookings beat market view as China orders rebound  The Sunday Guardian Deflation at home, disruption abroad – China’s growth model is a lose-lose - Capital EconomicsDeflation at home, disruption abroad – China’s growth model is a lose-lose  Capital Economics China's population falls for a fourth straight year, with births at lowest in decades - NBC NewsChina's population falls for a fourth straight year, with births at lowest in decades  NBC News IMF raises China’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.5%, citing US ‘truce’ and stimulus - South China Morning PostIMF raises China’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.5%, citing US ‘truce’ and stimulus  South China Morning Post China Emerges as Central Asia’s Largest Trading Partner - Caspian PostChina Emerges as Central Asia’s Largest Trading Partner  Caspian Post Why China’s population keeps shrinking despite policy push - MoneycontrolWhy China’s population keeps shrinking despite policy push  Moneycontrol China's population falls again as births drop to lowest rate since 1949 communist revolution - ABC NewsChina's population falls again as births drop to lowest rate since 1949 communist revolution  ABC News China expected to get London embassy go-ahead this week after years of wrangling - The GuardianChina expected to get London embassy go-ahead this week after years of wrangling  The Guardian How Trump is making China great again—and what it means for Europe - European Council on Foreign RelationsHow Trump is making China great again—and what it means for Europe  European Council on Foreign Relations Renewables push China's fossil-fuelled power into first annual drop in 10 years - ReutersRenewables push China's fossil-fuelled power into first annual drop in 10 years  Reuters China’s housing slump continues to drag on economic growth - MoneycontrolChina’s housing slump continues to drag on economic growth  Moneycontrol China hits 5% growth target as export surge offsets slump at home - The TimesChina hits 5% growth target as export surge offsets slump at home  The Times Trump’s Greenland tariffs; China’s economic growth slows - what’s moving markets - Investing.com IndiaTrump’s Greenland tariffs; China’s economic growth slows - what’s moving markets  Investing.com India Ageas hikes 2025 profit view by 23% on China tax change - Investing.comAgeas hikes 2025 profit view by 23% on China tax change  Investing.com China implements anti-dumping duties on US and South Korean solar-grade polysilicon - PV TechChina implements anti-dumping duties on US and South Korean solar-grade polysilicon  PV Tech Tibetan youth empowerment meet in Italy spotlights China's forced assimilation in Tibet - ANI NewsTibetan youth empowerment meet in Italy spotlights China's forced assimilation in Tibet  ANI News China's New Home Prices Fall 2.7% Annually in December, Steepest Decline in Five Months - scanx.tradeChina's New Home Prices Fall 2.7% Annually in December, Steepest Decline in Five Months  scanx.trade How did China go from a population boom to its lowest birth rate since 1949? - Mathrubhumi EnglishHow did China go from a population boom to its lowest birth rate since 1949?  Mathrubhumi English China’s birth rate drops to record low as economy hits target - CNNChina’s birth rate drops to record low as economy hits target  CNN China will clinch the AI race - Financial TimesChina will clinch the AI race  Financial Times From rave-like spin classes to strict diets: A look inside China's 'fat prison' - theweek.inFrom rave-like spin classes to strict diets: A look inside China's 'fat prison'  theweek.in China calls on EU not to hurt enterprises' investment confidence - ReutersChina calls on EU not to hurt enterprises' investment confidence  Reuters Why a Chinese ‘mega embassy’ is not such a worry for British spies - The GuardianWhy a Chinese ‘mega embassy’ is not such a worry for British spies  The Guardian China's birthrate falls to lowest level since 1949 - TRT WorldChina's birthrate falls to lowest level since 1949  TRT World Why an app called "Are You Dead?" has gone viral in China - Business StandardWhy an app called "Are You Dead?" has gone viral in China  Business Standard China’s population shrinks for fourth straight year - France 24China’s population shrinks for fourth straight year  France 24 Canada PM hails strategic partnership with China to adapt to ‘new global realities’ - The GuardianCanada PM hails strategic partnership with China to adapt to ‘new global realities’  The Guardian AUD/USD Forecast: Consolidation Ahead of Aus Jobs Data, China Trade Headwinds - Forex CrunchAUD/USD Forecast: Consolidation Ahead of Aus Jobs Data, China Trade Headwinds  Forex Crunch China and Canada announce tariffs relief after a high-stakes meeting - BBCChina and Canada announce tariffs relief after a high-stakes meeting  BBC China wants to start Teesta Master Plan work soon: Rizwana - Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)China wants to start Teesta Master Plan work soon: Rizwana  Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Tesla, Volvo set to be first winners of China-Canada EV deal - Automotive NewsTesla, Volvo set to be first winners of China-Canada EV deal  Automotive News Factory explosion in China’s Inner Mongolia region kills 2 and hospitalises 84 - Daily ExcelsiorFactory explosion in China’s Inner Mongolia region kills 2 and hospitalises 84  Daily Excelsior Concurrent forums of productronica China 2026 - TimesTechConcurrent forums of productronica China 2026  TimesTech China set to keep rates steady for eighth month, some traders wager on Q1 easing - ReutersChina set to keep rates steady for eighth month, some traders wager on Q1 easing  Reuters China’s Population Falls for Fourth Straight Year - The Wall Street JournalChina’s Population Falls for Fourth Straight Year  The Wall Street Journal China's birth rate falls to lowest on record - The Japan TimesChina's birth rate falls to lowest on record  The Japan Times Expert: Policy, shifting habits power China's 2025 consumption growth - news.cgtn.comExpert: Policy, shifting habits power China's 2025 consumption growth  news.cgtn.com Why has China Banned a Host of Major Cybersecurity Firms? - Cyber MagazineWhy has China Banned a Host of Major Cybersecurity Firms?  Cyber Magazine China's 2025 economic growth among slowest in decades - France 24China's 2025 economic growth among slowest in decades  France 24 China Plants Another Africa Marker in Campaign to Globalize Yuan (CNY) - Bloomberg.comChina Plants Another Africa Marker in Campaign to Globalize Yuan (CNY)  Bloomberg.com Auto ancillary stock jumps 6% after partnership with China-based firm MINIEYE - Trade BrainsAuto ancillary stock jumps 6% after partnership with China-based firm MINIEYE  Trade Brains China girl pens love notes to late grandpa, sparks calls for better grief education - South China Morning PostChina girl pens love notes to late grandpa, sparks calls for better grief education  South China Morning Post Huawei Retains China’s Top Smartphone Market Spot in 2025 - TechRepublicHuawei Retains China’s Top Smartphone Market Spot in 2025  TechRepublic