Demographics of Greater China

China consists of the People's Republic of China (which includes Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau) and from the point of view of the PRC, may include the Republic of China (Taiwan). The population of Mainland China, at over 1.3 billion, greatly exceeds that of the remainder of China.

It should be noted that some Taiwanese people do not consider themselves a part of China, although many consider themselves Chinese.

People's Republic of China

Mainland China

Main article: Demographics of Mainland China

The population of Mainland China is 1,261,832,482 (July 2000 estimate). But it has exceeded 1.3 billion at the end of 2003. The PRC is very concerned about its population growth and has attempted with mixed results to implement a strict family planning policy. The government's goal is one child per family, with exceptions in rural areas and for ethnic minorities. Official government policy opposes forced abortion or sterilization, but allegations of coercion continue as local officials strive to meet population targets. The government's goal is to stabilize the population early in the 21st century, although some current projections estimate a population of anywhere ranging from 1.4 billion to 1.6 billion by 2025.

Religion plays a significant part in the life of many Chinese. Buddhism is most widely practiced, with an estimated 100 million adherents. Traditional Taoism also is practiced. Official figures indicate there are 18 million Muslims, 4 million Catholics, and 10 million Protestants; unofficial estimates are much higher.

Languages spoken include 'Standard Chinese' or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, and minority languages.

Hong Kong

Main article: Demographics of Hong Kong

Hong Kong's population increased steadily during the 1990s, reaching about 7.1 million by 2000. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with an overall density of some 6,300 people per square kilometre. The population density with respect to built-up area would be even much more higher, since only a small proportion of land are developed. Despite the population density, Hong Kong was reported to be one of the greenest cities in Asia. The majority of people live on flats in high-rise buildings. The rest of the open spaces are often covered with parks, woods and shrubs. The vertical placement of the population explains why "densely populated, green city" is not an oxymoronic phrase.

Macau

Main article: Demographics of Macau

Macau's population is 95% Chinese, primarily Cantonese and some Hakka, both from nearby Guangdong Province. The remainder are of Portuguese or mixed Chinese-Portuguese ancestry. The official languages are Portuguese and Mandarin, though the residents commonly speak Cantonese. English is spoken in tourist areas. Macau has only one university (University of Macau); most of its 7,700 students are from Hong Kong.

Republic of China/Taiwan

Main article: Demographics of Taiwan

The Republic of China has a population of 22.2 million. More than 18 million, the "native" Taiwanese are descendants of Chinese who migrated from Fujian and Guangdong Provinces on Mainland China, primarily in the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. The "Mainlanders", who arrived on Taiwan after 1945, came from all parts of Mainland China. About 370,000 Taiwanese aborigines inhabit the mountainous central and eastern parts of the island and are believed to be of Malayo-Polynesian origin.

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