China, officially known as the People’s Republic of China (PRC), is located in East Asia. It is the world’s most populous country and the fourth-largest by land area. China shares its borders with 14 countries, including Russia, Mongolia, India, Nepal, and North Korea. To the east, China is bordered by the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and South China Sea.
Geography
Climate
China’s climate varies widely due to its vast size and diverse geography. The country experiences everything from arctic conditions in the north to tropical climates in the south. The northeast has cold and dry winters, while the southeast has warm and wet conditions. The Tibetan Plateau in the southwest has an alpine climate, and the northwest is dominated by desert landscapes.
Fauna
China boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including giant pandas, snow leopards, Siberian tigers, and golden monkeys. Its forests are home to a variety of bird species, while its rivers and lakes support numerous aquatic animals, such as the Chinese river dolphin and the Chinese alligator.
Longest Rivers
China is home to several of the world’s longest rivers, including the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Mekong River. The Yangtze, the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, is of great economic and cultural significance to China.
Highest Mountains
The Himalayas, which include Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, are located along China’s southwestern border with Nepal. Other major mountain ranges in China include the Kunlun Mountains, Tianshan Mountains, and Qinling Mountains.
History
Prehistory
China has a rich and ancient history that dates back thousands of years. The earliest known human presence in China dates back to the Paleolithic era. The Neolithic era saw the rise of agriculture and the development of early Chinese civilizations along the Yellow River and Yangtze River valleys.
Ancient Dynasties
China’s recorded history begins with the Shang Dynasty, which ruled from around 1600 BCE to 1046 BCE. It was followed by numerous dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming dynasties. These dynasties saw periods of great cultural, scientific, and economic advancement, including the invention of paper, printing, gunpowder, and the compass.
Modern Age
In the 19th century, China faced external pressure from European powers and Japan, leading to a series of conflicts known as the Opium Wars. The fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912 marked the end of imperial rule and the beginning of the Republic of China. However, political instability and conflict persisted, leading to the rise of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 under the leadership of Mao Zedong.
Demographics
China is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.4 billion people. The Han Chinese ethnic group is the largest, accounting for the majority of the population. China is also home to 55 recognized ethnic minority groups, including the Zhuang, Hui, Uyghur, and Tibetan peoples.
Administrative Divisions
China is divided into 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, four direct-controlled municipalities, and two Special Administrative Regions (SARs).
Administrative Divisions and Population (2022 estimate)
- Guangdong Province – Population: 126 million
- Shandong Province – Population: 101 million
- Henan Province – Population: 99 million
- Sichuan Province – Population: 88 million
- Jiangsu Province – Population: 85 million
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Shanghai
- Beijing
- Chongqing
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
- Tianjin
- Chengdu
- Wuhan
- Hangzhou
- Xi’an
Education Systems
Education in China is largely free and compulsory for nine years, including six years of primary school and three years of junior high school. China has a vast network of universities and colleges, including some of the world’s top-ranked institutions. Notable universities include Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Fudan University.
Transportation
Airports
China has a vast network of airports, including major international hubs such as Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
Railways
China has the world’s largest high-speed railway network, with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h (217 mph). The country’s railway system connects major cities and regions across the country.
Highways
China has an extensive network of highways, including the National Trunk Highway System, which spans over 160,000 kilometers (99,419 miles) and connects cities and regions across the country.
Ports
China has some of the busiest ports in the world, including the Port of Shanghai, the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan, and the Port of Shenzhen. These ports play a crucial role in China’s trade and economy.
Country Facts
- Population: Over 1.4 billion
- Capital: Beijing
- Language: Standard Chinese (Mandarin)
- Religion: Predominantly atheistic; Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam
- Race: Han Chinese (majority); 55 recognized ethnic minority groups
- Currency: Renminbi (yuan) (CNY)
- ISO Country Codes: ISO 3166-1 alpha-2: CN, ISO 3166-1 alpha-3: CHN
- International Calling Code: +86
- Top-Level Domain: .cn