Geography
China is the fourth largest country after Russia, Canada and the United States. It is located in Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam.
Land area: 9,326,410 sq. km.
Shanghai occupies 6,200 sq. km. and lies in central-eastern China, facing the East China Sea.

Population
Shanghai (includes rural Shanghai): 17,780,000 (July 2003)

Ethnic Groups
Han Chinese make up the majority of China's population (91.9%). Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities make up only 8.1%.

Language
The official language in China is Mandarin but distinct dialects are spoken throughout the country. In Shanghai, all Chinese citizens speak Mandarin but Shanghainese mostly speak Shanghaihua.

Government
Communist state. Chairman elected by the National People's Congress for five-year terms. Administrative divisions: 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities.

Religion
China is officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclectic. Some 2% to 3% of the population practice Daoism (Taoism), Buddhism and Islam. An estimated 1% are Christians.

Climate
Weather during November to April is the coldest and temperatures range between 3.5oC to 13.7oC (38.3oF to 56.7oF). January to February temperatures can reach below freezing. Weather in May, June, September and October is cooling, ranging between 18.6oC to 23.5oC (65.5oF to 74.3oF). Climate in July and August starts to turn warm and temperature can go up to 28oC (82.4oF). Shanghai summers are hot and humid with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius. The rainy season begins in June.

Annual rainfall
1200mm (47.2 inches)

Time Zone
The entire country recognizes one time zone. Daylight savings is not recognized.
GMT + 8 (GMT +7 during daylight savings)

Currency
The Chinese currency is called ‘Renminbi’ (RMB) meaning the People’s Money. Also is referred to as ‘Yuan’ or ‘Kuai’ as slang.