World Happiness Report for China 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank China: 60
- Happiness Score China:5.973
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of China. CN.
China is the world’s most populous country, with over 1.4 billion people.
- known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Great Wall and Forbidden City.
- an economic powerhouse, being the world’s second-largest economy and a major global manufacturer and exporter.
China – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History:
The earliest civilizations in China emerged along the Yellow River Valley, with the Xia Dynasty (c. 2070–1600 BC) being the first recorded ruling dynasty. The Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BC) followed, known for its bronze-working and one of the earliest writing systems. The Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046–256 BC) saw the emergence of influential philosophies like Confucianism and Taoism.
Kingdoms and Empires:
The Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC) unified China for the first time under the rule of Qin Shi Huangdi, who constructed the Great Wall and standardized writing, measurements, and currency. The Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) was a golden age, with advancements in technology, culture, and trade along the Silk Road. Other prominent dynasties include the Tang (618–907 AD), a prosperous era for arts and literature, and the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368).
Colonial Period:
China largely avoided colonization, though the Opium Wars (1839–1842, 1856–1860) with Britain resulted in the ceding of Hong Kong Island and forced China to open up to foreign trade. The Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) was the last imperial dynasty, eventually overthrown by the Xinhai Revolution of 1911.
Independence and Modern Era:
After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, China experienced a period of instability and conflict. The Republic of China was established in 1912, but faced internal strife and the Japanese invasion during World War II. The Chinese Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, emerged victorious in the Chinese Civil War (1945–1949) and established the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The country underwent significant political and economic upheavals, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, before implementing economic reforms and opening up to the world in the late 1970s.
Current Political Situation:
China is a unitary one-party socialist republic, governed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Xi Jinping is the current President and General Secretary of the CCP. The National People’s Congress is the highest state body and the unicameral legislature. Recent elections have seen the continuation of CCP rule, with limited opposition.
International Relations:
China has been actively expanding its global influence through economic and diplomatic means. It maintains close ties with nations like Russia and North Korea, while experiencing tensions with the United States, India, and several neighboring countries over territorial disputes and human rights concerns. China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a growing economic superpower.
Human Development and Economy:
China has experienced rapid economic growth and development since the introduction of market reforms. It is the world’s second-largest economy, with major industries including manufacturing, technology, and trade. However, income inequality and environmental challenges remain significant issues. China’s human development indicators have improved substantially, with a rising life expectancy and declining poverty rates.
Cultural Highlights:
China boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with influences from various dynasties and ethnic groups. Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism have significantly shaped Chinese philosophy and beliefs. The Chinese language, with its various dialects, and cuisine, ranging from Cantonese to Sichuan, are renowned worldwide. China has also made significant contributions to art, literature, and inventions throughout its history.
Conclusion:
China faces challenges such as environmental degradation, human rights concerns, and an aging population. However, its economic might, technological advancements, and growing global influence present opportunities for continued growth and development. Balancing economic progress with sustainability, addressing sociopolitical tensions, and navigating complex international relationships will be crucial for China’s future trajectory.
Main facts
Location
China is located in East Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea between North Korea and Vietnam. It shares land borders with 14 countries: Russia, North Korea, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.
Map References
China is located in Eastern Asia, on the western shores of the Pacific Ocean.
Area – Comparative
With an area of approximately 9,596,960 sq km, China is slightly smaller than the entire continent of Europe.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
China has a total land boundary length of 22,117 km, bordering the following countries:
- Russia – 3,645 km
- North Korea – 1,416 km
- Mongolia – 4,677 km
- Kazakhstan – 1,533 km
- Kyrgyzstan – 858 km
- Tajikistan – 414 km
- Afghanistan – 76 km
- Pakistan – 523 km
- India – 3,380 km
- Nepal – 1,236 km
- Bhutan – 470 km
- Myanmar – 2,185 km
- Laos – 423 km
- Vietnam – 1,281 km
Coastline (if applicable)
China has a coastline of approximately 14,500 km, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea.
Maritime Claims
China claims territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf that extends to the outer edge of the continental margin or to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines, whichever is greater.
Climate
China has a diverse climate, ranging from subtropical in the south to subarctic in the north. The northern regions experience hot, dry summers and bitterly cold winters, while the central and southern regions have more temperate and humid weather patterns.
Terrain
China’s terrain is incredibly varied, with mountains, high plateaus, deserts, and hills covering two-thirds of the country. Major mountain ranges include the Himalayas, Tian Shan, Altay, and Kunlun. The eastern regions are primarily plains, river deltas, and intermontane basins.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in China is Mount Everest, at an elevation of 8,848 meters, located on the border with Nepal. The lowest point is the Turpan Pendi, at -154 meters below sea level, situated in the Turpan Depression of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region.
Natural Resources
China has abundant natural resources, including coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, uranium, shale oil, and hydropower potential.
Major Bodies of Water
Major rivers in China include the Yangtze (shared with Vietnam), Yellow (entirely within China), Heilong Jiang (shared with Russia), Brahmaputra (shared with India and Bangladesh), Mekong (shared with Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam), and Amur (shared with Russia). Notable lakes include Qinghai Lake, Dongting Lake, Poyang Lake, and Taihu Lake.
Natural Hazards
China is prone to several natural hazards, including frequent typhoons along the southeastern coast, floods, droughts, earthquakes, and periodic landslides.
Geography – Notes
China is the world’s fourth-largest country in terms of area, with a vast landmass spanning multiple climate zones and ecosystems. The country’s diverse geography has significantly influenced its history, culture, and economic development. Additionally, China’s rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to environmental challenges, including air pollution, water scarcity, and soil erosion.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 22.40%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 9,893,038. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 56.20%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 35.86166104.195397.
- Capital: The capital of China is Beijing
- Major Cities:
- Beijing – Population: 21.54 million
- Shanghai – Population: 24.28 million
- Guangzhou – Population: 14.04 million
- Shenzhen – Population: 12.53 million
- Population: 1,397,715,000
- Area(Km2): 9596960
- Population Density( P/Km²):153. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:86
- Official Language(s):China is Mandarin, with 71.5% speakers.
- Currency: CNY
Main Economic Indicators
China has the world’s second-largest economy, with a diverse range of industries and a rapidly growing services sector. However, the economy faces challenges related to high debt levels, an aging population, and trade tensions. Notable economic policies include efforts to spur domestic consumption and innovation.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 0.9% (Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China)
2020: 2.5% (Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: A+ (Stable Outlook)
Moody’s: A1 (Stable Outlook)
Standard & Poor’s: A+ (Stable Outlook)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 7.1%
Industry: 40.5%
Services: 52.4%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural: Rice, wheat, potatoes, corn, peanuts, tea, milled rice, vegetables, pork, eggs, fish
Industrial: Mining and ore processing, iron, steel, aluminum, and other metals, coal, machinery, armaments, textiles and apparel, petroleum, cement, chemicals, fertilizers, consumer products, food processing, transportation equipment, telecommunications equipment, commercial space launch vehicles, satellites
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 785.9 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 1st
Current Account Balance
2021: $271.66 billion (Surplus)
2020: $237.12 billion (Surplus)
Comparative Ranking: 1st (2021 est.)
Exports and Imports
Total Exports: $3.36 trillion (2021 est.)
Key Export Partners: United States, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam
Main Exports: Electrical machinery and equipment, machinery including computers, apparel, furniture, footwear, toys and sporting goods
Total Imports: $2.69 trillion (2021 est.)
Key Import Partners: Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, United States, Australia
Main Imports: Electrical machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, optical and medical equipment, metal ores, motor vehicles
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $3.39 trillion (December 2022)
Gold Reserves: 1,948.3 metric tons (December 2022)
- GDP (Current US$):$19,910,000,000,000. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 9.40%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 59.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.96. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.87. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 4.32%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Chinese
Adjective: Chinese
2. Ethnic Groups
Major Ethnic Groups:
– Han Chinese: 91.6%
– Zhuang: 1.3%
– Other (including Hui, Manchu, Uyghur, Miao, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol, Dong, Buyei, Yao, Bai, Korean, Hani, Li, Kazakh, Dai, and others): 7.1%
3. Religions
Religious Affiliations:
– Buddhist: 18.2%
– Christian: 5.1%
– Muslim: 1.8%
– Folk Religions: 21.9%
– Hindu: < 0.1%
– Jewish: < 0.1%
– Other: 0.7% (including Daoist and Confucianist)
– Unaffiliated: 52.2%
4. Age Structure
Distribution of Population:
– 0-14 years: 17.7% (male 123,453,086/female 104,217,118)
– 15-64 years: 70.35% (male 478,079,794/female 428,052,035)
– 65 years and over: 11.95% (male 71,576,460/female 81,336,989)
5. Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 38.8
Youth Dependency Ratio: 25.1
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 13.7
6. Median Age
Total Median Age: 38.4 years
Male Median Age: 37.5 years
Female Median Age: 39.3 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity Rate: 6.2% (2016)
Alcohol Consumption: 7.2 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2019)
Tobacco Use: 26.6% of adults (2020)
Life Expectancy at Birth: 77.7 years (2022 estimate)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 77. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 96.4%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:10.9. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.69. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 77.3%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 842,933,962. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):32.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
China’s military and security forces are collectively known as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The main branches include:
- People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF)
- People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)
- People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)
- People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) – strategic missile force
- People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force (PLASSF) – cyber, electronic, and space warfare
China also has the People’s Armed Police (PAP), a paramilitary force responsible for internal security, crowd control, and anti-terrorism operations.
Military Expenditures
China’s military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.7%
- 2021: 1.7%
- 2020: 1.9%
- 2019: 1.9%
- 2018: 1.9%
China ranks second globally in terms of military spending, behind only the United States.
Personnel Strengths
China has approximately 2.0 million active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:
- PLAGF: 975,000
- PLAN: 260,000
- PLAAF: 395,000
- PLARF: 120,000
- PLASSF: 175,000
The People’s Armed Police has an estimated strength of 660,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
China’s military hardware includes domestically produced and imported equipment, such as:
- Main battle tanks (e.g., Type 99, Type 96)
- Armored personnel carriers (e.g., ZBD-04, ZBD-09)
- Artillery systems (e.g., PLZ-05, PHL-03)
- Combat aircraft (e.g., J-20, J-16, J-10)
- Naval vessels (e.g., Type 055 destroyers, Type 094 ballistic missile submarines)
- Intercontinental ballistic missiles (e.g., DF-41, DF-31)
China is actively modernizing its military through domestic development programs and selective foreign acquisitions, including advanced fighter jets, naval vessels, and missile systems.
Military Service Age and Obligation
China has a conscription system, with males aged 18-22 being eligible for compulsory military service. The service obligation is typically 24 months. However, China also encourages voluntary enlistment, with various incentives and educational opportunities.
Military Deployments
China has a limited number of overseas military deployments, primarily focused on peacekeeping operations and protecting its economic interests. Notable deployments include:
- United Nations peacekeeping missions in South Sudan, Mali, and Lebanon
- Counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden
- Military bases in Djibouti and Tajikistan
Strategic Military Notes
China’s defense strategy is focused on safeguarding its territorial integrity, deterring potential threats, and protecting its expanding global interests. Key priorities include:
- Modernizing and strengthening its military capabilities, particularly in areas like naval forces, air power, and missile technology
- Enhancing power projection capabilities to secure its maritime claims in the East and South China Seas
- Developing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and hypersonic weapons
- Participating in international peacekeeping efforts to project a responsible global image
China is not formally part of any major military alliance but has strengthened security cooperation with Russia and partnered with various countries through initiatives like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
- Armed Forces Size: 2695000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 1.98
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 68.00%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.