China

Slightly smaller than the United States, China is located in eastern Asia between North Korea and Vietnam, and bordered by other large countries such as Russia, Mongolia, and India. Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, China was a leading civilization in the arts and sciences for centuries but experienced major problems in the 1800s and 1900s including famine and military defeat. Today, however, China is the second-largest economy in the world after the United States. China offers an insightful, readable, and up-to-date guide to this large and powerful nation. Highly informative sections cover China's landscape and climate, economic development, population, transport and trade, and environmental challenges. Full-color photographs and illustrations accompany maps and graphs, adding visual appeal to the text. Additional resources include an opening chapter introducing China, a glossary, lists of further information, and a comprehensive index.