China is situated in East Asia, bordered on its east by the Pacific Ocean. The total area of the country is 9.6 million square kilometers, and the popu- lation is 1.37 billion. China is a country with an ancient civilization and a recorded history of over 4,000 years. The largest developing country in the world, China enjoys social stability, and a steadily developing economy. 56 ethnic nationalities live in China, all enjoying equal rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the legal system.
China is divided into 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, four municipalities under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government, and two special administrative regions. The Capital of the People’s Republic of China is Beijing.