36
Room of Countries and Flags · UN member 36
What is China like?
日本語
In short
China is a country in Eastern Asia, Asia. In 2025 it has about 1.42 billion people (UN estimate), the 2nd most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1945Population: 2nd
China中国- Region
- Eastern Asia, Asia
- Population
- about 1.42 billion (2nd)
- Area
- 9,600,000 km² (4th)
- UN member since
- October 24, 1945
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
China in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 1.42 billion, the 2nd most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 12 times Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 9,600,000 km², the 4th largest of the 193. That is about 25 times Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 148.
Joining the United Nations
China joined the United Nations on October 24, 1945.
It was a member before Japan joined in 1956.
26 other countries joined on the same day.
Think about it
- Q1Compare China’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
- Q2Find China on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
- Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about China, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 5 UN member states in Eastern Asia. The one with the most people is China.