Population
China,
with over 1.31828 billion people (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and
Taiwan) as of May, 2007, is without doubt the most populous country
in the world. According to the census at the end of 2004, the
ratio of the sexes is about 51.5% male and 48.5% female. Some
41.76% of the population resides in the urban cities and towns
while the rest is in rural areas.
Family Planning
China has almost 20% of the world's total population. To control
rapid growth in the population growth and to ensure quality of
life, 'Family Planning', is one of China's basic state policies,
since 1978. As a measure to avoid over population, late marriage
and postponement of childbearing means fewer but healthier babies,
something that is greatly encouraged by the government. In 1979,
China became the first country to launch the 'one child per couple'
policy.
However, for those who endure more strenuous lives in countryside
and where there is a greater need for manual labor, they are allowed
to have their second baby several years later after the birth
of the first one. A more liberal policy is also followed in ethnic
minority areas. Generally, two children are allowed for one family,
sometimes three. For extremely underpopulated minorites, there
is no limitation on childbirth.
Ethnic Groups
China
is a multiracial country consisting of 56 ethnic groups, the most
populous being the Han who form about 91.59% of China's total
population, while 8.41% are other 55 ethnic minorities. All the
ethnic groups live together over vast areas while some live in
individual concentrated communities in small areas. Although there
are fewer people within the Chinese minorities, they are widely
distributed throughtout the country. Yunnan Province is the most
multi-national region where there are 25 ethnic minorities. The
minorities mostly have their own religious beliefs, the freedom
of which is highly respected and legally protected by Chinese
government.
Chinese people
The
Chinese are industrious, hardworking, peace-loving and a strenuous
nation, while the numerous people are hospitable, conservative,
modest and in general easy to approach.
Nowadays, Chinese people enjoy a higher standard of living, with
greatly improved facilities for education, a fact that contributes
much to the overall quality of life for the entire nation. Economic
growth means that in time those in the poorer regions will enjoy
a higher standard of living but with such a large population these
improvements take time. There has been a distinct improvement
in the status of women; while rights of senior citizens and children
enjoy more protection and care. Chinese society has become more
open, accommodating and self-sustaining in these new times. However,
the people never forget to carry forward and develop the traditional
Chinese virtues while they are willing to accept new ideas and
try new things.
