At a glance

Official Name:
Peoples Republic of China (PRC)

Capital: Beijing

Population: 1.32 billion (2007 est.)

Languages: Mandarin is the most common language, used by over 91 percent of the population. However, the Peoples Republic of China recognizes 56 different ethnic groups, many of which have their own languages.

Religion: Mahayana Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity (An estimated 46 percent of the population practices a mixture of Buddhism and Taoism.)

Life Expectancy:
Male: 71 Female: 74

Currency: Yuan (CNY)

GDP (Purchasing Power Parity):
$10 trillion

National Holidays:
Labour Day (May 1-May 3),
National Day (October 1-October 3)

Industries: Iron, steel, coal, machinery, armaments, textiles and apparel, petroleum, cement, chemical, footwear, toys, automobiles.

China
China is considered one of the world’s ancient civilizations, and has the oldest writing system. Chinese history can be traced back to the Xia dynasty, which existed more than 4,000 years ago.

For a time the Xia dynasty was considered mythical, but scientists have since found artifacts dating its existence. Chinese culture has since flourished, and they have become one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world, inventing such things as writing, paper and paper money — as well as many different art forms.

Modern China is considered a world power, with one of the largest economies and the largest population in the world. Though it is a communist country, its economy is liberalizing and moving away from state control. As it continues to industrialize, it will only grow stronger.