Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
China Demographics
»
Population
1.34 billion
»
Birth Rate
12.31 births per 1000 people
»
Percentage of people over 65 years of age
9.1%
»
Urbanisation rate
2.3%
»
Sex Ratio (under age of 15)
1.17 (boys to girls)
»
Life expectancy
74.84 years
The Chinese Character
Shaped by Confucian principles, the Chinese of today's China are thoughtful
and discreet, but also highly pragmatic and practically minded. Conservative
and somewhat introverted, they favour dark clothing over bright or loud colours
while their body language is reserved and undemonstrative, yet attentive.
The Chinese (apart from the Shanghainese, some Chinese insist) are partic-
ularly generous. Don't be surprised if a Chinese person you have just met on a
train invites you for a meal in the dining carriage. They will insist on paying, in
which case do not try to thwart their efforts. The Chinese also simply adore
children and delight in showing them affection.
Particularly diligent, the Chinese are inured to the kind of hours that may
prompt a workers' insurrection elsewhere. This is partly due to a traditional cul-
ture of hard work, but it is also a response to inadequate social security safety
nets and an expression of anxiety regarding economic and political uncertain-
ties. The Chinese impressively save much of what they earn, emphasising the
virtue of prudence. Despite this restraint, however, wastefulness can be
astounding when 'face' is involved: mountains of food are often left on restaur-
ant dining tables, particularly if important guests are present.
The Chinese are also an exceptionally dignified people. They are proud of
their civilisation and history, their written language and of their inventions and
achievements. This pride rarely comes across as arrogance or self-assurance,
however, and may be tinged with a lack of confidence. The Chinese may, for
