
China
Official Name: People’s Republic of China (PRC, Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó)
Location: East Asia
Capital: Beijing
Largest City: Shanghai
Geography:
- Fourth-largest country in the world by area (~9.6 million km²).
- Borders 14 countries: India, Russia, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, North Korea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan.
- Landscapes: deserts (Gobi, Taklamakan), plateaus (Tibetan Plateau), major rivers (Yangtze, Yellow).
Population:
- About 1.4 billion (2025), second most populous country after India.
- Majority ethnic group: Han Chinese (~92%).
- Recognized 55 ethnic minorities.
Languages:
- Official: Standard Chinese (Mandarin, Putonghua).
- Many regional languages and dialects (Cantonese, Tibetan, Uyghur, Mongolic, Zhuang).
Government:
- One-party socialist republic led by the Communist Party of China (CPC).
- President: Head of state.
- Premier: Head of government.
- Legislature: National People’s Congress.
Economy:
- Second-largest economy in the world (nominal GDP).
- World’s largest exporter and manufacturing hub.
- Major industries: electronics, steel, textiles, automobiles, renewable energy, space technology.
- Member of BRICS, WTO, UN Security Council (permanent seat).
History:
- One of the world’s oldest civilizations (~4000 years).
- Dynasties: Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing.
- Republic established in 1912 after Qing dynasty collapse.
- People’s Republic of China founded on 1 October 1949 under Mao Zedong.
- Rapid modernization and economic reforms since 1978 under Deng Xiaoping.
Culture:
- Rich traditions in philosophy (Confucianism, Taoism), literature, painting, calligraphy, martial arts.
- Major festivals: Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Dragon Boat Festival.
- Cuisine varies by region: Sichuan (spicy), Cantonese (dim sum), Northern wheat-based dishes.
- Strong influence in film, art, and global culture.
Symbols:
- National Flag: Red with five yellow stars.
- National Anthem: “March of the Volunteers.”
- National Animal: Giant Panda (unofficial symbol).
- National Sport (de facto): Table tennis; also excels in badminton, gymnastics, and martial arts.

