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The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is the most populated country of the world. The total estimated population of the country is nearly1.3 billion. Due to a diversity of population, there are several languages being spoken in China. There are almost 290 languages among which few have now become extinct. Mandarin Chinese is the main language of the country and is nationally used for business. According to a survey, a separate and specific language is spoken in each province of China. The language laws are not applicable in Hong Kong, Macau and Tibet. The main languages of the country are actually a collection of 56 national languages known as Zhongyu (Dwyer, 2005). The other main languages of China are Wu (Shanghainese), Yue (Catonese and Taishanese), Xiang, Min (Hokkien and Teochew), Gan and Han. The Mandarin Chinese is spoken and understood by almost 70 percent of the population. Currently, some foreign languages are also being promoted in the country, particularly English, in order to compete with the world (Lewis, 2009).
Officially PRC was established in 1949 at that time it came out to be an atheist state with a majority of population having no belief in existence of God. During the Cultural Revolution in 1966-67, most of the religions in the country were eliminated. In 1970-80; however, situation changed and people were allowed to worship any religion in accordance with their belief. The constitution of 1978 brought a major change in the region, as a result, Buddhism and Taoism became the major religions in the country. The followers of their own religions got a strong support from the government. Currently, despite a majority of atheist people, there are five main religious groups in the country. Buddhism being the top religion in China is followed by Taoism, Christianity (Catholics and Protestants), Islam and ethnic minorities like and (China Embassy, 1997).
Buddhism reached to the country from India, Taoism became popular by 6th BC; Christianity flourished by 7th AD, whereas, Islam was introduced in the region in 651AD. There is also a small community of Hindus residing in south eastern part of the county.
(Yu Tao, 2011, pg. 12)
In some cities of China, religion has become an integral part of people life despite discouragement by its government. Many religious monuments and statues have been constructed like the Spring Temple Buddha and Pagodas.
Bibliography
China Embassy (1997), . Retrieved December 24, 2012, from .
Dwyer, Arienne M. (2005). . Political Studies 15. Washington: East-West Center. pp. 31-32. Washington : East-West Center.
Lewis, M. Paul (2009). Ethnologue: Languages of the World, ed. 16th. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International.
Yu Tao (2011), . ECRAN - Europe-China Research and Advice Network. University of Nottingham. p. 12.
