China — map and facts

China is the world's most populous country and the largest nation in East Asia by area, spanning from the Tibetan Plateau in the west to the Pacific coast in the east. With a population of approximately 1.4 billion and the world's second largest economy, China is one of the most consequential nations on Earth. The capital is Beijing. The currency is the renminbi, with the primary unit the yuan (CNY).

About China

China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a unitary one-party state in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country and the fourth largest by area. China shares land borders with 14 countries — more than any other nation — including Russia, India, Kazakhstan, and Vietnam. The country comprises 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities, and 2 special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macao).

Geography and landscape

China covers approximately 9.6 million km². The terrain is extraordinarily diverse: the Tibetan Plateau — the "Roof of the World" at an average elevation above 4,500 m — dominates the south-west; the Himalayas form the southern border; vast deserts including the Gobi cover the north and north-west; fertile lowlands and river plains stretch across the east. Major rivers include the Yangtze (6,300 km, the third longest in the world) and the Yellow River. Climate ranges from subarctic in the far north to tropical in Hainan.

History

China has one of the world's oldest civilisations, with continuous records spanning over 3,500 years. A succession of unified empires — Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Ming, Qing — shaped East Asian culture, trade, and technology, contributing paper, printing, gunpowder, and the compass. The Qing dynasty collapsed in 1912. Following the civil war between Nationalists and Communists, the People's Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949 under Mao Zedong. Economic reforms from 1978 under Deng Xiaoping transformed China into the world's second largest economy within three decades.

Economy and currency

China is the world's second largest economy by nominal GDP and the largest by purchasing power parity. Manufacturing, exports, technology, real estate, and financial services drive the economy. China is the world's largest exporter and manufacturer. The currency is the renminbi (RMB); the primary unit is the yuan (CNY). In recent decades, China has lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty — the largest poverty reduction in human history.

Culture and language

Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) is the official language; other Chinese varieties including Cantonese and Min are spoken regionally. Chinese culture is shaped by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, emphasising family, education, and collective harmony. The written Chinese script is one of the oldest continuously used writing systems. Chinese cuisine encompasses hundreds of distinct regional traditions. The Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) is the world's largest annual human migration event.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of China? Beijing, located in north-eastern China.

What currency does China use? China uses the renminbi (RMB); the principal unit is the yuan (CNY).

How many people live in China? China has approximately 1.4 billion inhabitants, one of the two most populous countries alongside India.

What is the Great Wall of China? The Great Wall is a series of fortifications built across northern China from the 7th century BCE onwards. The most well-known sections date to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What language is spoken in China? Mandarin Chinese is the official language. Several dozen regional languages and hundreds of dialects are also spoken.