China

East Asia

China is a country in East Asia, home to 1.42 billion people, with an area of 9,596,961 km². Its capital is Beijing.

Capital: Beijing
Population: 1.42 billion
Area: 9,596,961 km²
Region: East Asia
Density: 148 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

China · East Asia · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What China is known for

China is best known for The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City and The Terracotta Army.

China, officially known as the People’s Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. With a population of over 1.4 billion people, it is the most populous country in the world. China is bordered by 14 countries, including Russia to the north, Vietnam to the south, and India to the southwest.

China at a glance

Language: Standard Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but there are also many other regional languages and dialects spoken throughout the country
Currency: Chinese yuan (renminbi)
Religion: The government officially recognizes five religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism. However, many people in China practice traditional Chinese beliefs or are atheists
National dish: There are many popular dishes in China, including Peking duck, dumplings, hotpot, and Kung Pao chicken
Climate: China has a diverse climate, ranging from tropical in the south to subarctic in the north. The country experiences four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters in most areas
Main industries: China is the world's largest manufacturing economy, producing a wide range of products including electronics, textiles, and automobiles. The country is also a major producer of steel, coal, and other natural resources
GDP: $15.4 trillion (2020 estimate)
Development: China is considered a newly industrialized country and has experienced rapid economic growth over the past few decades. It has a human development index (HDI) ranking of 85 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in China

Some of the main tourist attractions in China include:

The Great Wall of China a series of fortifications built along the northern borders of China to protect against invasions.
The Forbidden City a palace complex in Beijing that served as the imperial palace for over 500 years.
The Terracotta Army a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.
The Yangtze River the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, with scenic boat tours available.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park a stunning park in Hunan Province that features unique rock formations and stunning natural scenery.
The Giant Panda native to China, these adorable creatures are a national symbol and can be seen at several panda reserves and research centers.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that China has to offer. However, visitors should be aware that the country has strict laws and regulations, and certain areas may be restricted or require special permits to visit.

China in pictures

China on video

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China compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of East Asia.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
China	1.42 billion	9,596,961 km²	Beijing
Japan	123.7 million	377,975 km²	Tokyo
South Korea	51.7 million	100,210 km²	Seoul
North Korea	26.5 million	120,540 km²	Pyongyang