China 🇨🇳 is a fascinating country located in Eastern Asia, part of the Asia region. Officially known as People's Republic of China, it is home to roughly 1.41 billion people and covers an area of about 9,706,961 square kilometres.
On this page you will find a complete profile of China — its capital Beijing, its people and languages, the money used there, where it sits on the world map, and plenty of facts worth remembering the next time the country comes up in a quiz.
China on the map
Geographically, China belongs to Eastern Asia within Asia. Its territory spans approximately 9,706,961 km², which makes it the 4th largest country or territory on Earth.
China has a coastline as well as land borders with Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Hong Kong, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Vietnam — a crossroads position that has influenced its culture and economy for centuries.
The capital city is Beijing, the political and cultural heart of the country and usually the first stop for visitors who want to understand how chinese life really works.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Population and languages of China
Around 1.41 billion people live in China, making it the 2nd most populous country or territory in the world. A person from China is called a Chinese.
The main language spoken here is Chinese. Learning even a handful of phrases before a visit goes a long way with locals.
Beyond the numbers, everyday culture in China — from markets and music to family traditions — is what makes discovering it through a random spin so rewarding.
Practical information about China
The official currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY, symbol ¥). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check current rates before travelling.
The international dialling code for China is +86. Websites from the country typically use the .cn internet domain.
Quiz tip: the three facts most worth memorising about China are its flag, its capital Beijing, and its approximate population of 1.41 billion.
Neighbouring countries
China shares borders with 16 countries:
- Afghanistan
- Bhutan
- Myanmar
- Hong Kong
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Nepal
- North Korea
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Macau
- Mongolia
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Tajikistan
- Vietnam
Fun facts about China
- China's flag emoji is 🇨🇳 — its two-letter country code is CN and its three-letter code is CHN.
- China covers 9,706,961 km², ranking 4th in the world by area.
- With about 1.41 billion people, China holds the 2nd spot in the world population ranking.
- China is a member state of the United Nations.
- China shares borders with 16 countries.
China — frequently asked questions
- What is the capital of China?
- The capital of China is Beijing.
- What is the population of China?
- China has a population of approximately 1,408,975,000 people, ranking 2nd in the world.
- Where is China located?
- China is located in Eastern Asia, part of the Asia region.
- What language is spoken in China?
- The main language spoken in China is Chinese.
- What currency is used in China?
- China uses the Chinese yuan (CNY).
