China is located in Eastern Asia, and its capital is Beijing. It has a population of approximately 1,408,975,000 and covers an area of about 9,562,910 km². Its official currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY).
What stands out
People & place
147 /km² across 9,562,910 km²
China has a recorded population of 1,408,975,000 and a reported surface area of 9,562,910 km².
Economic snapshot
$18.74 trillion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $18.74 trillion and GDP per capita at $13,303 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Chinese yuan (CNY)
China uses Chinese yuan (CNY), calling code +86, internet domain .cn.
About China
China, the world's most populous nation and a cradle of ancient civilization, stretches across East Asia with a tapestry of bustling megacities, timeless landscapes, and a rapidly evolving society that balances tradition and modernity.
Spanning 9.6 million square kilometers, China boasts dramatic contrasts—from the soaring peaks of the Himalayas and the arid expanses of the Gobi Desert to the fertile lowlands of the Yangtze River basin and the lush karst scenery of Guangxi—making it one of the planet's most geographically diverse countries.
China's vibrant culture is a mosaic of 56 recognized ethnic groups, each contributing to a rich heritage of festivals, art, and cuisine; iconic elements like Chinese New Year, calligraphy, silk, and world‑renowned dishes such as dim sum, Peking duck, and hot pot illustrate a culinary and artistic legacy that continues to inspire globally.
A pivotal moment in Chinese history occurred in 1949 when the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China, ushering in profound political, social, and economic transformations that reshaped the nation’s trajectory.
Key facts
China is home to the world's largest high-speed rail network, covering over 40,000 kilometers of track.
The country has a population exceeding 1.4 billion people, making it the most populous nation on Earth.
The Great Wall of China, stretching more than 21,000 kilometers, is one of the most iconic engineering feats in human history.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
China has a recorded population of approximately 1,408,975,000 people.
How big is China?
China covers an area of about 9,562,910 km².
What is the population density of China?
China has a population density of roughly 147 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of China?
China has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $18.74 trillion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of China?
China has a GDP per capita of approximately $13,303.
What currency is used in China?
China uses the Chinese yuan (CNY), with the symbol ¥.
Where is China located?
China is located in Eastern Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of China?
The native name of China is 中国.
What are people from China called?
People from China are referred to as Chinese.
What is the phone calling code for China?
The international dialing code for China is +86.
What is the internet domain for China?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for China is .cn.
What time zone is China in?
China spans 2 time zones including Asia/Shanghai, Asia/Urumqi.
What is China known for?
China, the world's most populous nation and a cradle of ancient civilization, stretches across East Asia with a tapestry of bustling megacities, timeless landscapes, and a rapidly evolving society that balances tradition and modernity.
Eastern Asia