China

China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is the second-most populous country after India, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, representing 17% of the world's population. China borders fourteen countries by land across an area of 9.6 million square kilometers (3,700,000 sq mi), making it the third-largest country by area. The country is divided into 33 province-level divisions: 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities, and 2 semi-autonomous special administrative regions. Beijing is the capital, while Shanghai is the most populous city by urban area and largest financial center.

The first humans in China arrived during the Paleolithic era. By the 2nd millennium BCE dynastic states had emerged in the Yellow River basin. The 8th–3rd centuries BCE saw a breakdown in the authority of the Zhou dynasty, accompanied by the emergence of administrative and military techniques, literature and philosophy. In 221 BCE, China was unified under an emperor, ushering in two millennia of imperial rule. Chinese achievements include the invention of gunpowder, paper, printing and the compass, the establishment of the Silk Road, and the building of the Great Wall. Chinese culture has flourished and has had a great influence on the region and beyond.

Since 1949, China has been a unitary communist state with the Chinese Communist Party as its sole ruling party. It is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and a member of numerous multilateral and regional organizations. Making up around one-fifth of the world's economy, China is the second-wealthiest country in the world, with the Chinese economy being the largest when adjusted for PPP. China has been one of the fastest-growing modern economies and is the world's largest manufacturer and exporter, as well as the second-largest importer. China has the world's largest standing army, second-largest defense budget, and third-largest nuclear weapons stockpile. It is described as either a potential or established superpower due to its influence in the fields of geopolitics, science and technology, manufacturing, economics and culture. China is known for its cuisine and culture. It is a megadiverse country, and has 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Etymology

Main article: Names of China

The word "China" has been used in English since the 1500s. It comes from many old languages, starting from Sanskrit in ancient India. Over time, it traveled through Persian, Malay, and Portuguese before reaching English.

The official name today is the "People's Republic of China." A shorter name, "China," means "Middle Kingdom." This name has been used for a very long time, dating back to ancient dynasties.

History

Main article: History of China

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Chinese history.

Prehistory

Archaeological evidence shows that early hominids lived in China over 2 million years ago. Fossils of Peking Man, an ancient Homo erectus, date back between 680,000 and 780,000 years ago. Teeth from Homo sapiens found in Fuyan Cave are about 125,000 to 80,000 years old. Early forms of writing appeared in places like Jiahu, Damaidi, Dadiwan, and Banpo thousands of years ago.

Early dynastic rules

Further information: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, Xia dynasty, Shang dynasty, Zhou dynasty, Spring and Autumn period, and Warring States period

Traditional stories tell of the Xia dynasty beginning around 2000 BCE, though historians debate if it really existed. The Shang dynasty, which followed, is the earliest dynasty with clear proof, ruling around the Yellow River valley from about 1300 BCE. They used a special writing system on bones, known as the oracle bone script, which is the oldest form of written Chinese.

The Zhou dynasty took over from the Shang and ruled from 1046 to 256 BCE. During their time, the country split into many smaller states that fought each other, especially during the Warring States period.

Imperial China

Further information: Chinese Empire and History of China § Imperial China

Qin and Han

The Warring States period ended in 221 BCE when the state of Qin united China under its leader, Qin Shi Huang. He made many changes, like standardizing writing, measurements, and coins. The Qin dynasty didn’t last long, ending soon after Qin Shi Huang’s death.

The Han dynasty followed and ruled from 206 BCE to 220 CE. They expanded China’s lands far and wide and helped create the famous Silk Road trade route.

Three Kingdoms, Jin, Northern and Southern dynasties

After the Han dynasty ended, China went through a tough time with many battles. The Jin dynasty tried to bring peace but faced problems. Later, the Northern Wei and Liu Song ruled different parts of the land until the Sui brought them back together in 589.

Sui, Tang and Song

The Sui dynasty made big changes like building the Grand Canal and supporting Buddhism. They didn’t last long because of problems with their plans.

The Tang and Song dynasties were golden ages for China. They made advances in science, like using gunpowder and the compass, and in printing. Cities grew big and busy, and trade along the maritime Silk Road boomed.

Yuan, Ming and Qing

The Mongols took over China and started the Yuan dynasty in 1271. Later, the Ming dynasty brought back strong rule and built a powerful navy. In 1644, the Qing dynasty took over, which was the last imperial dynasty. They ruled until 1912.

Republic of China

Main article: Republic of China (1912–1949)

Further information: 1911 Revolution, Second Sino-Japanese War, Chinese Civil War, and Chinese Communist Revolution

In 1912, China became the Republic of China. There were many changes and challenges, including wars and political fights. Japan invaded parts of China in the 1930s, leading to big battles. After World War II, fighting between different groups continued until 1949.

People's Republic of China

Main article: History of the People's Republic of China

In 1949, the Communist Party took control of mainland China and started the People’s Republic of China. They made big changes in farming and industry. In the 1960s, there was a big political movement called the Cultural Revolution. In the late 1970s, new leaders began modernizing the country. China grew very fast economically, becoming one of the world’s largest economies.

Geography

Main article: Geography of China

China's landscape is vast and diverse, ranging from deserts in the north to forests in the south. Major mountain ranges like the Himalaya separate China from South and Central Asia. The Yangtze and Yellow Rivers flow from the Tibetan Plateau to the eastern seaboard. China's coastline along the Pacific Ocean is over 14,500 km long.

The territory of China lies between latitudes 18° and 54° N, and longitudes 73° and 135° E. Landscapes vary greatly, with alluvial plains in the east, grasslands in the north, and hills and mountains in the south and west. The country's highest point is Mount Everest on the border with Nepal, and its lowest point is Ayding Lake in the Turpan Depression. Despite spanning five time zones, China uses a single national time zone, China Standard Time (UTC+8).

Climate

Main article: Climate of China

Further information: Great Green Wall (China)

China's climate features dry seasons and wet monsoons, causing big temperature differences between winter and summer. Northern winds are cold and dry in winter, while southern winds are warm and moist in summer.

A big environmental issue is the expansion of deserts, especially the Gobi Desert. Although tree lines have reduced sandstorms, dust storms still affect northern China each spring. Water quality, erosion, and pollution are important issues in China's relations with other countries. Melting glaciers in the Himalayas could lead to water shortages for many people.

Biodiversity

Main article: Wildlife of China

China is one of the world's megadiverse countries, with over 34,687 species of animals and plants. It is home to many mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. However, many species are threatened due to habitat loss, pollution, and poaching. China has over 2,750 nature reserves to protect wildlife.

China has many types of forests, from cold coniferous forests in the north to subtropical and tropical rainforests in the south. These forests support many plant and animal species, including bamboo and rhododendrons.

Environment

Main articles: Environment of China and Environmental issues in China

See also: Renewable energy in China, Water resources of China, Energy policy of China, and Climate change in China

In the early 2000s, China faced environmental problems due to fast industrial growth. Although regulations exist, they are sometimes ignored for economic development. China has the second-highest death toll from air pollution, after India. China is the largest producer of CO₂ emissions in the world.

China has worked to reduce pollution, especially in the 2010s. In 2020, the government set goals to reach peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. China is a major investor in renewable energy and leads in manufacturing and using technologies like solar and wind power. In 2025, 42% of China's energy came from clean sources.

Political geography

Main articles: Borders of China, Coastline of China, and Territorial changes of the People's Republic of China

China is the second-largest country by land area after Russia, covering about 9.6 million square kilometers. It has the longest combined land border in the world, measuring over 22,000 km, and borders 14 nations. China shares land borders with countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and Inner and Northeast Asia. It also has maritime neighbors in the Pacific Ocean.

China has resolved its land borders with 12 of its 14 neighboring countries, but still has disputes with India and Bhutan. It is also involved in maritime disputes in the East and South China Seas over islands like the Senkaku Islands (called the Diaoyu Islands by China) and the South China Sea Islands.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of China

See also: Party and state leaders and List of current Chinese provincial leaders

The People's Republic of China is a communist state led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP follows socialism with Chinese characteristics, which it describes as Marxism adapted to Chinese circumstances. The Chinese constitution states that China is a socialist state governed by a people's democratic dictatorship led by the working class.

China describes itself as a democracy, specifically a whole-process people's democracy, organized around the Leninist principle of democratic centralism. However, it is commonly seen as an authoritarian one-party state with strict limits on civil freedoms, such as freedom of the press and freedom of assembly. China ranks low in measures of democracy and is often described as an authoritarian regime.

Chinese Communist Party

Main article: Chinese Communist Party

The CCP is the sole ruling party of China. Its highest body is the National Congress, held every five years, which elects the Central Committee. The Central Committee elects the Politburo, Politburo Standing Committee, and the general secretary (party leader), who is the top leader of the country. The current general secretary is Xi Jinping. The CCP controls all levels of government, with most senior officials being party members.

Government

Main article: Government of China

See also: List of national leaders of the People's Republic of China

The National People's Congress (NPC) is China's highest state body, with nearly 3,000 members. It elects the president, who is currently Xi Jinping, and the premier, currently Li Qiang, who heads the State Council, China's cabinet. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamp" body, with decisions largely controlled by the CCP.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: Administrative divisions of China, Districts of Hong Kong, and Municipalities and parishes of Macau

China is a unitary state divided into 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, four direct-administered municipalities, and two special administrative regions: Hong Kong and Macau. China also claims the island of Taiwan as part of its territory, though it is governed by the Republic of China.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of China

China has diplomatic ties with most countries and is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. It is involved in many international organizations and has strong relationships with countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. China initiated the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, a major global infrastructure project.

Military

Main articles: Military budget of China, People's Liberation Army, and Paramilitary forces of China

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is China's military force, controlled by the CCP. It includes the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force, with around 2 million active personnel. China has the world's third-largest stockpile of nuclear weapons and the second-largest navy by tonnage. The PLA is commanded by the Central Military Commission, chaired by the top leader.

Economy

Main article: Economy of China

China has the world's second-largest economy and the largest when measuring by purchasing power parity (PPP). Since 1978, China has been one of the fastest-growing major economies, with growth usually above 5 percent each year. Its economy grew from $150 billion in 1978 to over $18 trillion by 2024.

China has been a major economic power for much of history. Since 1978, it has become a key player in global trade and investment. The country uses a mix of market forces and government planning, with many state-owned enterprises playing important roles. Private businesses have also grown quickly, making up more than 60% of China's economy today.

Wealth

See also: Income inequality in China

China holds about 18.6% of the world's total wealth, second only to the U.S. It has helped lift hundreds of millions of people out of extreme poverty since 1978. While major cities are very wealthy, rural areas remain less prosperous, leading to economic differences across the country.

Industry and services

China leads the world in manufacturing, producing over 30% of all global goods. It makes the most steel, rare earths, and electronics, and builds the most ships. China also has the biggest car market and is a leader in electric vehicles.

The country is a major force in retail and finance, with three of the world's largest stock markets in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen. China also dominates in e-commerce and has the world's largest banking sector.

China in the global economy

China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001 and became the world's largest trading nation by 2013. It holds vast amounts of foreign money and invests in many countries around the world. China is working to use its own currency, the renminbi, more widely in international trade.

Tourism

Main articles: Tourism in China and List of World Heritage Sites in China

China welcomed many international visitors and had billions of domestic trips each year. It has many important historical sites and is very popular with tourists.

Science and technology

Main articles: Science and technology in China, List of Chinese discoveries, and List of Chinese inventions

Historical

Main article: History of science and technology in China

Ancient China made important discoveries such as papermaking, printing, the compass, and gunpowder. Later, other countries passed China in science and technology.

Modern era

Since the late 1970s, China has invested heavily in science and now spends about 2.7% of its economy on research. It ranks high in innovation and produces many scientific papers. China leads in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Space program

China began its space program in 1958. In 2003, it became the third country to send a person into space. Since then, China has landed on the Moon, sent a rover to Mars, and built its own space station. China plans to send people to the Moon by 2030.

Infrastructure

China has built many impressive infrastructure projects. It has the world's largest high-speed rail network, the most supertall skyscrapers, and the largest power plant, the Three Gorges Dam. China also has an extensive ultra-high-voltage transmission network and a global satellite navigation system with the most satellites.

China is the largest telecommunications market in the world, with the most active cellphones, internet users, and broadband users. It has many 4G and 5G users and base stations. China also developed its own satellite navigation system called BeiDou.

China's transport network includes many highways, railways, and airports. It has the longest highway system and the second-longest railway network in the world. The high-speed rail system is the longest and busiest, with very fast trains. Many cities have busy urban mass transit systems. China has many airports and ports, including the busiest port in the world.

Water supply and sanitation face challenges due to rapid urbanization and water scarcity. Many rural households now have access to basic sanitation. The South–North Water Transfer Project aims to reduce water shortages in the north.

Main article: Telecommunications in China

Main article: Transport in China

Main article: Water supply and sanitation in China

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of China

The 2020 Chinese census recorded China's population as about 1.4 billion people. Most people are between 15 and 59 years old, with smaller groups being children under 14 and adults over 60. The population has been growing very slowly, and since 2022, the number of deaths has been higher than the number of births. In 2023, the number of babies born was the lowest since 1949.

Population policies

Main article: Family planning policies of China

China once had strict rules about how many children a family could have, such as the famous one-child policy. These rules have changed over time to allow two or even three children per family because of concerns about aging populations. These policies may have affected the number of boys and girls born, but the balance has improved compared to earlier years.

Urbanization

Main article: Urbanization in China

See also: List of cities in China, List of cities in China by population, and Megalopolises in China

More people in China now live in cities than in the countryside. By 2025, over 68% of the population lived in urban areas. China has many big cities, including Chongqing, Shanghai, and Beijing, some with populations over 20 million.

Ethnic groups

Main articles: List of ethnic groups in China, Ethnic minorities in China, and Ethnic groups in Chinese history

China has 56 recognized ethnic groups. The largest group is the Han Chinese, making up over 91% of the population. Other groups make up less than 10% and live in various parts of the country.

Languages

Main articles: Languages of China and List of endangered languages in China

China has many languages. The most common is Mandarin, spoken by 80% of people. Other languages include Cantonese, Wu, and many others spoken by different ethnic groups.

Religion

Main article: Religion in China

China has many religious traditions, including Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The government is officially atheist, but many people practice folk religions or beliefs that mix these traditions. Some ethnic groups also follow religions like Tibetan Buddhism or Islam.

Education

Main articles: Education in China and Higher education in China

Education in China includes nine years of compulsory schooling, followed by exams to enter university. China has a large education system with millions of students and teachers. Many universities in China are ranked among the best in the world.

Health

Main article: Health in China

See also: Medicine in China and Pharmaceutical industry in China

China's health system has improved greatly since the 1950s, with better nutrition and healthcare. Life expectancy is now over 79 years, and infant mortality has dropped. However, challenges remain, such as air pollution, smoking, and obesity. China faced serious health issues like SARS and COVID-19, which required strong public health responses.

Culture

Main articles: Chinese culture and Culture of the People's Republic of China

Chinese culture has been shaped for thousands of years, with strong influences from Confucianism. This culture has spread to many parts of East and Southeast Asia. For much of China's history, people could improve their lives by doing very well on important tests called imperial examinations, which started in the Han dynasty. These tests focused on literature, and they made people value arts like calligraphy, poetry, and painting very much.

Even though there was a time called the Cultural Revolution when old traditions were attacked, many traditional arts, music, and styles have come back strongly. Today, people in China still respect these old ways and also enjoy new forms of culture.

Art

Main article: Chinese art

Architecture

Main articles: Chinese architecture and List of World Heritage Sites in China

Chinese architecture has developed over thousands of years and influenced buildings in Japan, Korea, and Mongolia. It is known for its balance and symmetry, using open spaces and following principles like feng shui. Buildings can be very different depending on who they were built for—like emperors, regular people, or religious groups—and also depending on where they are located in China.

Literature

Main article: Chinese literature

Chinese literature goes back to very old times, with important books and poems that taught many lessons. Famous stories and novels from long ago are still loved today. After big changes in the early 1900s, new types of writing appeared, and China now has many different kinds of books and stories.

Music

Main articles: Music of China, C-pop, Chinese opera, Performance art in China, and Chinese dance

Music in China includes both old traditions and modern styles. Traditional instruments and operas have been part of Chinese life for thousands of years. Today, people also enjoy popular music, hip hop, and other new styles.

Fashion

Main articles: Chinese clothing and Hanfu

Traditional Chinese clothing, known as Hanfu, is still admired today. Modern fashion, including special dresses and fashion weeks, is also very popular in China.

Media

Main articles: Mass media in China and Cinema of China

China has many ways to share news and entertainment, like television, newspapers, radio, and magazines. Big government-controlled groups run most of these. China also makes lots of movies and has a big internet, although some foreign websites are blocked.

Cuisine

Main article: Chinese cuisine

Chinese food comes in many different styles from different parts of the country. It uses many cooking methods and ingredients. Rice and wheat foods are common, and pork is the most popular meat. There are also special foods for different cultures and religions.

Sports

China has a long history of sports, including archery and early forms of football. Today, basketball is very popular, and China has many cyclists and enjoys sports like martial arts, table tennis, and swimming. China has hosted several big sporting events, including the Summer and Winter Olympics.