Country Focus: China
Horizons University prides itself in gathering students from all areas of the world, among which Asia. It seemed only natural then to start our Country Corner View series with the People’s Republic of China, detailing some facts and figures and focusing on some unique aspects and findings about the country.
Capital: Beijing
Population: 1.3 billion
Surface: 9.6 million sq Km
Currency: Yuan
The Han nationality represents 92% of the population in China. However, constitutional law of the People’s Republic of China acknowledges the existence of 56 “nationalities” on the territory. Thanks to the Constitution, they enjoy the free right to develop their own spoken and written language, as well as to maintain or adapt their traditions. This ethnic and/or cultural variety and richness is at the roots of the “Chinese Nation”, the zhonghua minzu.
We owe four major inventions to China and, as the English philosopher Francis Bacon underlined, all of them have played a key role in the making of the modern Western world: paper, printing, gunpowder and compass. Medicine and acupuncture have also benefited from the fascinating and enriching input of the Chinese civilization. Furthermore, the Chinese were the first to master porcelain-making techniques.
One last tip for the road: you may want to consider visiting China since researchers have found that the environment (air, soil and water) of some of the Chinese provinces is rich with essential elements accounting for a long and healthy life. It may then come as case in point to know that China holds the world’s record of longevity. Don’t say we did not tell you…
我们爱天际大学
