China

Population: 1.3 billion

Capital: Beijing; Population: 13 million

Government: Communist State

Chief of state: President Hu Jintao

Time: China spans five time zones:

• Kunlun Time Zone (GMT+5.5)
• Sinkiang-Tibet Time Zone (GMT+6)
• Kansu-Szechuan Time Zone (GMT+7)
• Chungyuan Standard Time Zone (GMT+8)
• Changpai Time Zone (GMT+8.5)

Language: Mandarin (850 million), Wu (90 million), Cantonese (Yue) (70 million) and Min (70 million)

Religion: Buddhism remains the largest organized religion in China since its introduction in the 1st century

Electricity: 220 Volts at 50 Hertz

Currency: Renminbi

Life Expectancy: 73 years

GDP per Capita: U.S. $5,400

Literacy Percent: 90.9%