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

6. Map

13. 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

16. 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!