State of China Atlas

Robert Benewick is Emeritus Professor of Politics, University of Sussex, and Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Democracy, University of Westminster. Stephanie Hemelryk Donald is Professor of Chinese Media Studies at the University of Sydney.

• Foreword by Tony SaichIntroductionPart One CHINA IN THE WORLD1 TradeChina, in conjunction with Hong Kong, is the second-largest trading nation in the world.2 InvestmentForeign direct investment in China continues to grow, and China is developing its own overseas investments.3 Military PowerChina’s regular armed forces comprise 9 percent of the world’s total.4 International RelationsChina’s international relations are influenced by a combination of ambition and nationalism.5 Chinese DiasporaChinese outward migration over the centuries has created some strong overseas communities.Part Two PEOPLE IN CHINA6 PopulationOver 1.3 billion people, one-fifth of the world’s population, live in China.7 The Gender GapThere are more boys than girls in China.8 Minority NationalitiesAround 10 percent of people in China are from one of 55 officially recognized ethnic groups.9 Rural–Urban InequalityChina is one of the most unequal societies in the world.Part Three THE ECONOMY10 Economic DevelopmentBetween 1990 and 2007, China’s economy grew by an average of 10 percent a year.11 EntrepreneursThe entrepreneur is fêted in popular self-help manuals and biographies.12 EmploymentThere are at least 8 million new entrants each year into China’s labor market.13 AgricultureAgriculture provides a declining share of China’s GDP.14 IndustryChina’s industrial output is expanding, with goods produced both for export and in the hope of building domestic demand.15 ServicesThe share of GDP contributed by the services sector grew by 10 percent between 1997 and 2007.16 TourismThe major focus of China’s tourism industry is on domestic tourists.17 EnergyChina’s energy production has soared since 2002, in order to keep up with thedemand of its growing economy.Part Four THE ENVIRONMENT18 UrbanizationChina is undergoing the largest internal migration in the history of the world.19 TransportThe growth of motorized traffic in China’s cities is indicative of the drive towards rapid modernization.20 Air PollutionThe conflict between environmental protection and economic growth is one of China’s foremost dilemmas.21 Water ResourcesChina is facing a water crisis – both in terms of supply and of quality.Part Five GOVERNANCE AND RIGHTS22 Who Runs ChinaChina is a one-party state, with supreme power exercised by the nine members of the Politburo.23 Chinese Communist PartyThe CCP is the most powerful political party in the world.24 The People’s Liberation ArmyThe PLA is controlled by the Party-State through two arms of the Central Military Commission, both of them chaired by Chairman Hu Jintao.25 Rule of LawIn the era of economic reform, China has moved towards enshrining the rule of law in the constitution and in practice.26 State Versus CitizensChina is a more open society than 30 years ago.Part Six LIVING IN CHINA27 HouseholdsChina’s one-child policy is creating a population with a high proportion of elderly dependents.28 FoodChina’s national diet is changing, with urbanites eating an increasing amount of meat and dairy products.29 HealthIncreased commercialization of China’s healthcare system is putting certain treatments beyond the means of many households.30 EducationChina has over 130 million children in primary and secondary education.31 Media and TelecomsChina’s burgeoning media sector is a sign of its growing economy.32 ReligionOnly five religions are allowed by the Chinese government.Part Seven DATES AND DATAChronology 1949–1979Chronology 1980–2010Data TablesChina in the WorldChina: PopulationChina: EconomyChina: Living and LifestyleChina: Natural ResourcesCommentaries and SourcesSelect BibliographyIndex