China

Basic Indicators

Source: UNICEF: The State of the World's Children Report

Population: 1,345,751,000 (2009)
National language: Mandarin, Cantonese, and other Chinese dialects
Per capita income: US$ 3,620 (2009)
Life expectancy: 73 years (2009)
% of population using
improved drinking water sources: 89% (2008)
% of population using
adequate sanitation facilities: 55% (2008)
Under 5 Mortality Rate: 19/1,000 live births (2009)

China is the world’s most populous nation and is home to one of the fastest-growing economies. Slightly smaller than the United States, China shares borders with nearly every country in Asia and has a long coastline on the Yellow and China Seas.

China has one of the world’s most varied and vibrant economies, manufacturing everything from clothing and toy cars to space satellites and military weapons. Despite recent economic growth, however, much of China’s rural population still lives in poverty and is particularly vulnerable to periodic droughts. Subsistence agriculture, with rice the main crop, remains the primary form of income generation in rural China. Erosion, contamination from pesticides, drought and poor farming techniques make rural farming particularly difficult.

Plan works with children and families in 16 provinces and administrative regions in China, teaching sustainable farming techniques and promoting child health and education. Except in emergency situations, Plan does not provide direct assistance. Instead, we help communities develop, grow and, ultimately, support themselves.

Hear from the children

An essential part of Plan's work is empowering children to discuss the issues that matter to them and to take part in decisions that affect their lives. To help you learn about these issues, the children in Plan communities have put together a series of publications called "See Our World": Read what the children have to say about their lives.