China (Chung-Kuo) In the center of the land Middle Kingdom

China has 23 centuries of enduring civilization. Geographically isolated – not threatened constantly by war Gobi Desert – north Pacific Ocean – east Takla Makan Desert – northwest Himalaya Mts. And Plateau of Tibet (10,000’) – southwest

China has 23 centuries of enduring civilization. China developed a strong sense of superiority – had no contact with “civilizations” until they met the Persians in 500BC along the Silk Road. “China is a sea that salts all the rivers that flow through it.” Cooked barbarians Raw barbarians

Physical Map of China

China has 23 centuries of enduring civilization. China was unified from within. Single written language that was used regardless of the spoken language and used throughout China Shared values and beliefs Confucian relationships – the way to peace, order, and harmony is society is to follow these relationships  Ruler to subject  Father to son  Husband to wife  Older brother to younger brother  Friend to friend

China’s culture 1.3 billion people – not evenly distributed - 90% people live in the lower third of the country – 3 important rivers/river valleys Government worked to control the population growth – slogan – later, longer, fewer – pushed idea of one child families- effective in urban areas especially Today China has an issue of the spoiled child – “not bad for an emperor”

Many ethnic groups/languages – 56 but only 8% of the population. 92% belongs to one ethnic group – the Han. Tradition versus modernization – traditional medicines versus state of the art hospitals, the tearing down of Chinese urban neighborhoods – hutongs -, Chinese people had great respect for the land and today everyone is tearing down buildings or using special green areas for skyscrapers Rural to urban migration

China is determined to regain its international status- China was a leader in the eastern hemisphere for 2000 years Chinese economy is expected to out grow that of the US 2008 Olympics in Beijing was an opportunity for China to demonstrate to the world its capabilities