THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA is the third largest country in the world in terms of area and the largest in terms of population. China has shared borders with Korea, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Burma, Laos and Vietnam. China is a diverse country, with more than one-fifth of the world's population and a history that dates back 4,000 years. In China, you will find a land steeped in an ancient culture, with man-made marvels still standing, including the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army. Beijing and Shanghai bring visitors back into the 21st century, with skyscrapers, fast cars, and busy downtown areas.

Here are some quick facts about China:

Capital City: Beijing

National anthem: March of the Volunteers (lines: Arise, those who do not want to be slaves! We will use our flesh and blood to build another Great Wall. China has reached the brink of national collapse. All the people have been making their last outcry. Arise! Arise! Arise! All our hearts become one. Let us face the angry guns. March on! Let us face the angry guns. March on! March on! March on! On!)

Topography: High in its west and low in its east: mountain areas 33.3%, plateaus 26%, basins 18.8%, plains 12% and hills 9.9%.

National Day: October 1, the country was founded in 1949.

Top legislature: National People's Congress (NPC).

Location: In East Asia, by the west Pacific Ocean.

Territory area: 9.6 million square km, second to Russia and Canada.

Largest city: Shanghai.

Currency: Renminbi (RMB) yuan.

Weights and measures: metric system.

Climate: Most of the country in the temperate zone, although geographically the country stretches from the tropical and subtropical zones in the south to the frigid zone in the north.

Public holidays: New Year's Day (January 1), the Spring Festival (the New Year's Day by Chinese lunar calendar), International Labor Day (May 1), and the National Day (October 1).

For more information:
http://english.gov.cn/links/brief20050923.htm