CHINA: VITAL STATISTICS



Area (km2)* .................................................................................................................. 9, 561, 000
Population estimate 1995 (millions)** .............................................................................. 1, 206, 5
Natural increase (annual %) ...................................................................................................... 1. 2
Population density (people per km2) ......................................................................................... 122
Population "doubling time" in years ............................................................................................ 53


* The world's second largest country, after Canada.

** A fifth of the world's population. This figure is probably underestimated. The people of China, despite the government's efforts, are increasingly disregarding family planning regulations and having more than one child. There were also many uncontrolled and unregistered births, especially among the tens of millions of migrant workers.


Protected areas as % of country's land surface ......................................................................... 5. 54
Total protected area (km2) .................................................................................................. 560, 667
Number of protected areas+ ....................................................................................................... 708


+Includes marine and wetland reserves. Many protected areas have been established in recent years, and the number continues to grow.



Capital city Beijing
Language Putonghua (Mandarin), regional dialects
Currency Renminbi (RMB)



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Copyright 1996, The World Wide Fund For Nature