GENERAL INFORMATION
ON THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
"Governing a large state is like boiling a small fish." (Laozi)
Map: Political
The Land and the People
Map: Physical
The Population of China's Provinces
and Other Administrative Areas
History
Chinese Dynasties
The People's Republic
Party and State Structure
CONTENTS
The State, Party and Government Leadership
China and Britain
The Economy
Statistical Charts
Art
Society
Hints for Visitors
Page No
2
3-4
4
5
7
8
9
The Chinese Communist Party
11
Government
11-12
Foreign Relations
12-13
The Armed Forces
13
15-17
A Brief History
19-21
The Chinese Community in Britain
22
General
23-24
Agriculture
24
Industry
24-25
Transport
26
Foreign Trade
26
27-29
31
Living Conditions
33
Health and Welfare
33-34
Education
34
Legal System
35
The Arts
35
Religion
35
Sports and Pastimes
37
39
40
41
Pronunciation of Pinyin
Further Reading
Note: This paper is for background only. It is not designed to be comprehensive, and it is not an expression of government policy.
Research Department Foreign and Commonwealth Office
1