China
Geography
China, officially known as the People's Republic of China (PRC), is the third largest country in the world by land area. It is located in East Asia and is bordered by 14 different countries, including Russia, India, and North Korea. The country's diverse landscape includes the world's highest point, Mount Everest, in the Himalayas, as well as the Taklamakan Desert, one of the world's largest and driest deserts. The Yangtze River, the third longest river in the world, also runs through China.
History
China's history can be traced back to the ancient civilization that emerged in the fertile basin of the Yellow River in the North China Plain. For millennia, China's political system was based on hereditary monarchies, known as dynasties, beginning with the semi-mythological Xia dynasty in 21st century BCE. Since then, China has expanded, fractured, and re-unified numerous times. The Qing Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty, was overthrown in the early 20th century, leading to the establishment of the Republic of China (ROC). The ROC was eventually replaced by the PRC following the Chinese Civil War.
Politics
China is a one-party state under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The country's head of state is the President, while the head of government is the Premier. The National People's Congress (NPC) is the highest organ of state power, which also includes the smaller Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. The CPC maintains control over government appointments, with the President and Premier being members of the party.
Economy
China has the world's second largest economy by nominal GDP, and the world's largest economy by purchasing power parity. It is the world's largest exporter and second-largest importer of goods. China is a recognized nuclear weapons state and has the world's largest standing army, the People's Liberation Army, and the second-largest defense budget.
Culture
Chinese culture is one of the world's oldest cultures, tracing back to thousands of years ago. The area over which the culture prevails covers a large geographical region in eastern Asia with customs and traditions varying greatly between provinces, cities, and even towns. Important components of Chinese culture include literature, music, visual arts, martial arts, cuisine, etc.