Demographics of China

This article is about the demographic features of the population of China, including population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population.

China consists of the People's Republic of China (which includes Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau) and the Republic of China (Taiwan). The population of Mainland China, at over 1.3 billion, greatly exceeds that of the remainder of China. Most Taiwanese people do not consider themselves a part of the People's Republic of China, although many consider themselves Chinese.

People's Republic of China

Main article: Demographics of the People's Republic of China

The population of China was about 1.24 billion inhabitants, according to the 1 November 2000 census^[1]. Some four years later, more specifically on 6 January 2005, it officially reached 1.3 billion^[2]. The November 2010 census recorded 1.34 billion inhabitants.^[1] The PRC is very concerned about its population growth and has attempted with mixed results to implement a strict family planning policy. The government's goal is one child per family, with exceptions in rural areas and for ethnic minorities. Official government policy opposes forced abortion or sterilization, but allegations of coercion continue as local officials strive to meet population targets. The government's goal is to stabilize the population early in the 21st century, although some current projections estimate a population of anywhere ranging from 1.4 to 1.6 billion by 2025.

Religion plays a significant part in the life of many Chinese. Buddhism is most widely practiced, with an estimated 100 million adherents. Traditional Taoism also is practiced. Official figures indicate there are 18 million Muslims, 4 million Catholics, and 10 million Protestants; however, unofficial estimates are much higher.

Languages spoken include 'Standard Chinese' or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Hunanese, Gan, Hakka dialects, and minority languages.

Hong Kong

Main article: Demographics of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world with an overall density of some 6,300 people per square kilometre. The term "densely populated, green city" is used to describe the majority of the people living in apartments in high-rise buildings, and most land reserved for open spaces, country parks, and woodland.

According to statistics released in 2006, Hong Kong has the world’s lowest birth rate—0.9 per woman of child-bearing age, far below the replacement rate of 2.1. With just 966 babies being born to every 1000 fertile women, it is estimated that 26.8% of the population will be aged 65 or more in 2033, up from 12.1% in 2005.

Macau

Main article: Demographics of Macau

Macau's population is 95% Chinese (Han ethnicity), primarily Cantonese and some Hakka, both from nearby Guangdong Province. The remainder are of Portuguese or mixed Chinese-Portuguese ancestry. The official languages are Portuguese and Mandarin, though the residents commonly speak Cantonese. English is spoken in tourist areas. Macau has only one university (University of Macau); most of its 7,700 students are from Hong Kong.

Republic of China (Taiwan)

Main article: Demographics of Taiwan

The Republic of China has a population of 22.2 million. More than 18 million, the "native" Taiwanese are descendants of Chinese who migrated from Fujian and Guangdong Provinces on Mainland China, primarily in the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. The "Mainlanders", who arrived on Taiwan after 1945, came from all parts of Mainland China. About 370,000 Taiwanese aborigines inhabit the mountainous central and eastern parts of the island and are related to the Malayo-Polynesian group, and believed to be the origin of this group (see, e.g. Jared Diamond's "Guns, Germs and Steel").

References

1. ^ ^{a b} http://www.citypopulation.de/China-UA.html China in the www.citypopulation.de website
2. ^ Almanaque Mundial 2006, Editorial Televisa publishers, Mexico City, 2005, page 38.

External links

• http://knowledge.allianz.com/en/globalissues/demographic_profiles/china/china_population_demographics.html Demographic Profile China: People Power] Allianz Knowledge