China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations. Claiming a history dating back 5000 years, it is considered to have made some of the most significant artistic contributions to human kind.

Chinese inventions and culture have permeated the globe. You only need to wrap yourself in silk, open your umbrella or head out to the Opera to experience some of China’s exports, along with fireworks, chopsticks and the humble wheelbarrow.

The emergence of Confucianism around the 3rd century BC hugely influenced Chinese culture and it is this ethical tradition or philosophy which formed the basis of governance in China until the 20th Century.

Although China’s recent history has been tumultuous, marked by conflict and followed by economic setbacks and the Cultural Revolution; in the last decade China has revealed a uniquely speedy transformation. The recent economic reform to a more open market has catapulted China towards modernisation making it the world’s fastest growing economy.

Membership to the World Trade Organisation and a successful bid to hold the Olympic Games in 2008 have been instrumental in exposing the world to the changes which have been taking place in China. China is predicted to overtake France as the world’s most popular tourist destination by 2014.

SNAPSHOT:

Full name: People's Republic of China
Population: 1.3 billion (via UN, 2006)
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: 70 years (men), 73 years (women) (UN)
Main exports: Manufactured goods, including textiles, garments, electronics, arms
Internet domain: .cn
International dialing code: 86

THINGS TO KNOW:

• The Chinese Communist Party was formed in 1921.
• The People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949.
• Beijing narrowly lost the vote to host the 2000 Olympic Games to Sydney.
• 8 is a lucky number in China which is why the Games will open at 8pm on the 8th of August 2008