China Official name - People’s Republic of China Size - 9,596,961 sq km - the world’s 4 th largest country after Russia, Canada, and the United States, respectively.

China’s Flag Large star represents the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Four smaller stars represent China’s social classes: workers, peasants, petty bourgeoisie, and patriotic capitalists. Red represents communism. Gold symbolizes the yellow race of the Chinese nation.

China’s Coat of Arms The Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) Wheat represents farming. Cogwheel represents industry. Large star symbolizes the mutual progress of China’s four social classes (workers, farmers, smallholders, and patriotic capitalists), each represented by a small star.

Mythbusters Trivia True or false? Hong Kong is the capital city of China. Hong Kong, China

China’s Capital City? Answer: False - Beijing is China’s capital. Interesting Fact: Hong Kong was a British colony for over 150 years until 1997 when it was reverted to Chinese control. The Chinese government is allowing a 50 year “readjustment period” until Until then, Hong Kong will retain its unique political, economic, and judicial systems and continue to enter into international agreements as “Hong Kong, China”. Hong Kong has its own currency, police force, and tax laws. -

China’s People Population - 1,338,612,968 people (highest in world) - growing at 0.655% - lower than the US (0.98%) and Canada (0.82%) - homogeneous society -> 91.5% of population is Han Chinese - the only significant immigration to China has been by the overseas Chinese, who in the years since 1949 have been offered various enticements to return to their homeland Language - Standard Chinese or Mandarin (and many local dialects)

Demographics Urban population - 43% of total population - increasing at ~2.7% per year Life expectancy years (71.61 years for males; years for females) Literacy % of those over 15 years old can read and write (males %; females %) Median age years

Belief Systems Officially Atheist Some religious practice is acceptable in China; however, the government sets rigid limits. Chinese culture closely associated with Confucianism, Taoism and to a lesser extent, Buddhism Tend to believe in luck, fate and that one has little control over events “Regardless of where they live or how rich they are, the Chinese share an abiding belief in hard work, strong family ties, frugality and education.”