Spread over a total are of 3.6 million square miles China has always been known to be very inexplicable and captivating to the rest of the world. It is an isolated civilization in terms of its geographic location and the most remote of all the four early civilizations (Wright, 2011, p. 1). As observed by Wright (2011) “The Chinese Communist Party runs the country and controls all the political and administrative machinery” (p. 5). The history, population, culture and beliefs of the country are discussed below.
History: Though not being the oldest in the world (3300 years old), the Chinese history is considered to be static. Static in the sense that the language and culture followed by the people of the country, even after numerous changes taking place over a time frame of few centuries, can still be traced back to a few recognizable features that existed during the period of its origination (Morton & Lewis, 2005, p.2). Most of the history of the country can be related to the dynasties period. The history of the country lead by dynasties was first ruled by the Shang Dynasty (1700 – 1027 BC). However there lies a conflict about this statement and many historians claim that it was the Xia dynasty (21st to 16th century BC) that existed prior to Shang dynasty. This thought is nevertheless disregarded as the existence of the Shang dynasty is substantiated by archeological evidence while the Xia dynasty’s corroboration is yet to be concluded (Wright, 2011, p.13). The following dynasties in the country were, Zhou Dynasty (1027 to 221 BC), Western Zhou Dynasty (1027 to 771 BC), Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770 TO 221 BC), Qin Dynasty (221 TO 206 BC), Han dynasty (202 BC to 220 AD), Sui Dynasty (589 AD to 618 AD), Tang Dynasty, Ming Dynasty, Qing Dynasty and Yuan Dynasty (1279 to 1368). It was in the year 2009 that the communists in China revealed their intentions of not letting a multi party parliamentary democracy exist in China (Wright, 2011).
Population: China is considered to be the world’s most populous country with a population of around 1.3 billion people. China is abhorrently an over populated country that’s courtesy and social manners are being very adversely affected due to such huge population. The intense population of the country is the sole reason that there is no concept of forming queues followed in the country while payment of bills etc. Even the basic amenities like timely garbage removal, organized form of traffic and pollution free environment cannot be made available to the people because of its insurmountable population (Wright, 2011, p.11).
Culture and beliefs of China: With 3600 years of history in writing and a civilization known to be the most remote possible, China is regarded for inheriting a rich and philosophical culture. Diversity, concord and exclusivity are the prominent features of the Chinese culture. It is the harmony that exists among the people that many diverse cultures are agreed upon with immense regard. Chinese officially recognize 56 nationalities within its borders. Han Chinese is the largest of the 56 ethnic groups that are followed in China (Wright, 2011, p. 8).
The enormous diversity in the culture of Chinese has lead to non-characterization of an organized system which could give nurture a unique religion in the country. Hence Chinese religion is known to be pluralist in nature. Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are known to majorly characterize the concept of religion in china. Buddhism though originated in India was principally adopted by the Chinese thus showing very reflective effects on the subsequent history of the country. Such adoption was consequent to the realization of some relevant factor missing in the already practiced beliefs in the country which was being served by Buddhism (Morton & Lewis, 2005, p.76). Chinese population requires a sturdy religious inclination. Chinese generally follow various religions as per their spiritual beliefs and individual risks.
References
1. Wright, D. C. (2011). The History of China: Second Edition. California: Greenwood.
2. Morton, W. S. & Lewis, C. M. (2005) China: its history and culture. China: McGraw-Hill Publishers.
