People's Republic of China - Country Profile
Map of People's Republic of ChinaChina is the world's most populous country, with a continuous culture stretching back nearly 4,000 years. Many of the elements that make up the foundation of the modern world originated in China, including paper, gunpowder, credit banking, the compass and paper money. After stagnating for more than two decades under the rigid authoritarianism of early communist rule under its late leader, Chairman Mao, China now has the world's fastest-growing economy and is undergoing what has been described as a second industrial revolution. Read moreabout People's Republic of China...
Facts
| Full name | People's Republic of China |
|---|---|
| Population | 1.33 billion (UN, 2007) |
| Capital | Beijing |
| Largest city | Shanghai |
| Area | 9.6 million sq km (3.7 million sq miles) |
| Major language | Mandarin Chinese |
| Major religions | Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism |
| Life expectancy | 71 years (men), 75 years (women) (UN) |
| Monetary unit | 1 Renminbi (yuan) (Y) = 10 jiao = 100 fen; |
| Main exports | Manufactured goods, including textiles, garments, electronics, arms |
| GNI per capita | US $1,740 (World Bank, 2006) |
| Internet domain | .cn |
| International dialling code | +86 |
TV & Radio Programmes
- Chinese Food Made EasyTakeaway Favourites, 03 Sep 08
Ching-He Huang reveals how delicious Chinese food can be prepared at home with easy mouth-watering recipes using fresh, healthy and readily available ingredients.
Watch "" now - Wild ChinaShangri-La, 18 May 08
In China's far south west, rich jungles nestle below towering peaks. Jewel-coloured birds and ancient tribes share forested valleys where wild elephants still roam.
Watch "" now
Watch films made in London by the British Chinese community
From BBC News
In-depth news and features on how China is transforming itself, with photo galleries and audio and video clips
- China sets dates for space launch07 Sep 08
China will launch its third manned space mission in late September, state-run news agency Xinhua reports.
- Envoys hold talks on North Korea06 Sep 08
Senior officials from the US and China discuss initial moves by North Korea to reverse promised nuclear disarmament.
- The challenges facing China's disabled 05 Sep 08
- China admits quake school defects 04 Sep 08
- China to let groups tour N Korea 03 Sep 08
- Pound's slump dents BBC Global 30 02 Sep 08
News Audio and Video
- Google censorship laid bare05 Sep 08
Amnesty International and Google on whether the search engine should allow China to censor it.
Watch "Google censorship laid bare" now - Paralympic hope for China?04 Sep 08
The Olympic Games in Beijing were widely acclaimed as one of the best in living memory and this weekend China is hoping for a repeated success with the Paralympic Games.
Watch "Paralympic hope for China?" now - New China quake kills 2231 Aug 08
An earthquake in China has killed 22 people and injured more than 100, state media says.
Watch "New China quake kills 22" now - China's tallest building opens28 Aug 08
China's tallest building, the 101-storey World Financial Centre, has opened in Shanghai.
Watch "China's tallest building opens" now - China's tallest tower opens 28 Aug 08 Watch "China's tallest tower opens" now
- China plant blast kills 16 27 Aug 08 Watch "China plant blast kills 16" now
Editor's Choice
- BBC Scotland - Storytelling China
Follow the production team who are creating TV, radio and online content all about China
- BBC Two - Chinese Food Made Easy
Recipes from the BBC Two TV series, Chinese Food Made Easy
- Newsnight - China
- Video Nation - Silk Screens
- News - The Great Exhibition and London's Chinese Junk
- News - China Earthquake
Sport Headlines
- Danvers beaten by Walker in Rieti07 Sep 08
Britain's Olympic 400m hurdles bronze medallist Natasha Danvers again loses out to Beijing champion Melaine Walker at the IAAF Grand Prix in Rieti.
- Paralympics day two preview07 Sep 08
Britain's David Weir begins his quest for five golds at the Paralympics on Monday, with South African Oscar Pistorius also in action.
- Defar completes Challenge double 07 Sep 08
- Justin Frishberg's Beijing diary 07 Sep 08
- Dressage destiny 07 Sep 08
- Kindred claims fifth gold in pool 07 Sep 08
Sport Audio and Video
- Newquay swimmers get ready for Beijing05 Sep 08
BBC Spotlight meets the two Newquay Cormorants swimmers who are representing Great Britain at the 2008 Paralympics.
Watch "Newquay swimmers get ready for Beijing" now - Video - Crates honoured to carry GB flag05 Sep 08
Runner Danny Crates says being chosen by his Paralympics GB team-mates to carry the flag at the opening ceremony in Beijing is 'the greatest honour'.
Watch "Video - Crates honoured to carry GB flag" now - Barrow aims to win Paralympic medal05 Sep 08
GB wheelchair rugby captain Andy Barrow is sure the team can do better than finishing fourth in Athens at the 2008 Paralympics.
Watch "Barrow aims to win Paralympic medal" now - Cornish Paralympians prepare for Beijing04 Sep 08
Two of Cornwall's competitors at this month's Paralympics tell BBC Spotlight that they are ready to take on the rest of the world.
Watch "Cornish Paralympians prepare for Beijing" now - Highlights: Ohuruogu thrills crowd at Gateshead 31 Aug 08 Watch "Highlights: Ohuruogu thrills crowd at Gateshead" now
- Hoy to keep pedalling for glory 26 Aug 08 Watch "Hoy to keep pedalling for glory" now