China - Maps Initial version April 2000 Economics 286 Prof. Smitka Revised April 2002 Economics 286 Prof. Smitka

Map

History Historically “China” was in the moderately arid, cold, northerly plains along the Yellow River The diet was grain - wheat, barley - not rice New 12-13th century crops led to the southward expansion of “han” Chinese Most people are ethnic Chinese but with wide regional variation and 100 million minorities

Populated Areas Most of China is “empty” Cf. the western US, with deserts & mountains California’s large population is concentrated in a few sections of the state So 7% of arable land for 20+% of the world’s population But China’s 238 million farm households use land valuable for residential purposes, too!