China Population Density Map

Population
China, with over 1.31828 billion people (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) as of May, 2007, is without doubt the most populous country in the world. According to the census at the end of 2004, the ratio of the sexes is about 51.5% male and 48.5% female. Some 41.76% of the population resides in the urban cities and towns while the rest is in rural areas.

Family Planning
China has almost 20% of the world's total population. To control rapid growth in the population growth and to ensure quality of life, 'Family Planning', is one of China's basic state policies, since 1978. As a measure to avoid over population, late marriage and postponement of childbearing means fewer but healthier babies, something that is greatly encouraged by the government. In 1979, China became the first country to launch the 'one child per couple' policy.

However, for those who endure more strenuous lives in countryside and where there is a greater need for manual labor, they are allowed to have their second baby several years later after the birth of the first one. A more liberal policy is also followed in ethnic minority areas. Generally, two children are allowed for one family, sometimes three. For extremely underpopulated minorites, there is no limitation on childbirth.

Ethnic Groups

China Ethnic Groups Distribution Map

China is a multiracial country consisting of 56 ethnic groups, the most populous being the Han who form about 91.59% of China's total population, while 8.41% are other 55 ethnic minorities. All the ethnic groups live together over vast areas while some live in individual concentrated communities in small areas. Although there are fewer people within the Chinese minorities, they are widely distributed throughtout the country. 

Yunnan Province is the most multi-national region where there are 25 ethnic minorities. The minorities mostly have their own religious beliefs, the freedom of which is highly respected and legally protected by Chinese government.

People's Character and Life
The Chinese are industrious, hardworking, peace-loving and a strenuous nation, while the numerous people are hospitable, conservative, modest and in general easy to approach.

Nowadays, Chinese people enjoy a higher standard of living, with greatly improved facilities for education, a fact that contributes much to the overall quality of life for the entire nation. Economic growth means that in time those in the poorer regions will enjoy a higher standard of living but with such a large population these improvements take time. There has been a distinct improvement in the status of women; while rights of senior citizens and children enjoy more protection and care. Chinese society has become more open, accommodating and self-sustaining in these new times. However, the people never forget to carry forward and develop the traditional Chinese virtues while they are willing to accept new ideas and try new things.