Ethnic Groups
China’s diverse population serves up a variety of ethnic groups. The majority of the Chinese population is of Han ethnic descent, which makes up 91.96% percent of the population. The Han have ruled China through most of its ancient history except during the Yuan Dynasty where the Mongols had control of China for less than 100 years and in the Qing Dynasty where the Manchu’s held power for almost 300 years. The Qing Dynasty is responsible for solidifying China’s boundaries in the early 17th Century.
The other remaining 8% of China’s population consists of 55 minority groups that tend to live along China’s borders and in its five Autonomous Regions: Guangxi, Xinjiang, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, and Ningxia. Below, you can read more about these individual minority groups and some of their defining characteristics. China is a fascinating cultural melting pot whose people help contribute to its vast richness and spirit.
Largest
Han (91.96%)
Ethnic Minority Groups
A Through E
F Through J
K Through O
P Through T
U Through Z
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