The People's Republic of China, as officially called, is East Asia’s largest country, and with total land area of 9 596 960 square km, it is world’s fourth largest country. It is also the most populous country in the world with population of more than 1,3 milliard inhabitants, what is 20 percent of the whole population of the Earth. China shares border with at least 14 countries: Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia and North Korea, and 4 seas. Because of the large area of China, its landscape is much diversified. On the east, which is influenced by the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, there are hills, alluvial plains and deltas of major rivers,

the Huang He and the Yangtze River, and this part is densely populated. The western part is mountainous; mountain range of Himalayas with highest mountain Mount Everest is located there. There are also deserts, such as Gobi desert, and high plateaus, like Taklamakan. Northern part is typical of grasslands, and southern China is hilly with low mountain ranges. There are about 1600 rivers in China, among them already mentioned Huang He and Yangtze River, and also Xijiang River, Mekong, Brahmaputra or Amur. Climate is very varied, ranging from sub arctic in the north and tropical in the south.

People in China

Population distribution is closely linked with country’s geography; 94 percent of China’s inhabitants live in the eastern third of the country. The province of Shandong, typical of mild coastal climate, has more than 90 million inhabitants, while Tibet, with mountain plateau climate, has only 2,6 million inhabitants. Nowadays the trend of migration from poor rural interior to economically developed coastal regions is followed by more than 90 million people. Chinese flag, with its gold stars, represents the 5 major ethnic groups living in China. However, there are more than 50 minority groups. About 59% of the population is non-religious. But rituals and religion play a big role in the society, especially beliefs of Confucianism and Taoism. More than 33% of Chinese follow a mixture of beliefs. Approximately 8% are Buddhists, and with its 100 million adherents, it is the largest organized religion of China. There are also more than 20 million Muslims in China.

Chinese economy

Economy of China is rapidly growing; there are large investments into research and development as well as to military purposes. China, from global point of view, is the world’s third largest importer and second largest exporter, and so it plays an important role in international trade. China is the producer of one third of the world's steel, and is the fourth largest producer of gas and oil. Industry is also focused on coal, machine building, armaments, textiles and apparel and cement. Exported are machines and equipment, mineral fuels, toys and sporting goods, textiles, clothing and footwear.

But the growing success in area of economy has also its drawback, which is demonstrated in environment. One of the biggest problems is desertification, especially the Gobi desert. Northern China regularly suffers from sandstorms, dust storms and droughts. Also erosions and water pollution are becoming a serious problem.

Chinese history and culture

China has probably the longest continuing civilisation in the world. It has been creating a culture known for its strong values, traditions and philosophies for 40 centuries. Many dynasties, which reigned in the country, established a bureaucratic system of control. The civilisation of China also belongs to the few ancient civilizations, which had an individual writing script. The language has more than 20 000 characters, however, the average Chinese learns only 5 000 of them. Dancing and drama, as well as visual arts, have an important place in Chinese culture. Another area in which China is unique is its attitude to medical treatment. Chinese invented over 5000 years ago a method of healing, where sharp thin needles in various pressure spots are inserted – acupuncture.

What to do in China

China is large and geographically diversified, and this is shown also in the wide range of possibilities how to spend time there. From Chinese art, literature, music, film, fashion, architecture and performing arts like Beijing opera to sports, China offers endless opportunities. Chinese sporting culture is one of the oldest in the world, and so physical fitness is much emphasised. Typical is practicing qigong and Tai Chi Chuan in parks among elders, or basketball in urban centres played by youngsters. Also football, martial arts, table tennis, badminton, swimming, golf and board games like Go (Weiqi), and Xiangqi (Chinese chess) are often played. Popular are Chinese festivals, like Duan Wu, during which dragon boat racing occurs. Then there are regional traditional sports such as Mongolian Mongolian-style wrestling and horse racing, or Tibetan archery and equestrian sports. Also 2008 Summer Olympic Games, which will be held in Beijing, is a great reason to visit this wonderful country.