People & Culture

Population:
China is the world's most populated country with more than 1.2 billion people and still growing. The Han people make up almost 92% of the Chinese population, and the remaining 8% are comprised of 55 different ethnic minorities.
Religion:
China is home to a few diverse religions including from Buddhists (about 100 million followers), Muslims (about 18 million), Catholics (about 12 million), Protestants (about 10 million), Taoists and Atheists (no official estimates of followers).
Language:
The major language spoken in China is standard Chinese or Mandarin (based on Beijing dialect). Other languages include Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects and some minority languages.
Education:
China holds a high regard for education. China has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. Of the total population, 86% of those over the age of 15 can both read and write. Its universities graduate more than 2 million per year.
Calendar:
The Chinese Lunar New Year is the longest chronological record in history. It is fashioned after the zodiac cycle, and a complete cycle takes 60 years and is made up of five cycles of 12 years each. Each of the twelve years is named after an animal. The Chinese believe the animal ruling the year in which a person is born has a profound influence on personality, saying: "This is the animal that hides in your heart."

Why China