China Population 2026: 1.41B People, Density & Key Facts
China is a country with a moderate, fairly even population spread: 1.41B people across 9,596,960 km², giving a density of 147/km².
GDP per capita stands at $12,720: a figure above the global median. The capital, Beijing, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About China's Population
With a population of 1.41B, China is home to a significant number of people within its 9,596,960 km² of territory. The population density of 147/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a moderate density typical of many countries in the region.
The capital city, Beijing, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of China. China has a coastline of 14,500 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, China has a total GDP of $17.96T, translating to $12,720 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Yuan (¥).
China gained independence in 221 BCE and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Mandarin Chinese, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the East Asia region, China sits alongside Japan (125.7M), South Korea (51.7M), Mongolia (3.4M). This regional context helps illustrate how China's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about China's Population
What is the population of China in 2026?
The population of China is approximately 1.41B people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of China?
The capital city of China is Beijing, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is China?
China has a population density of 147/km². This is a moderate population density.
What is the GDP per capita of China?
China has a GDP per capita of $12,720, with a total GDP of $17.96T. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in China?
The official language of China is Mandarin Chinese.
How big is China?
China covers a total area of 9,596,960 km². With a population of 1.41B, that gives a density of 147/km².
When did China gain independence?
China gained independence in 221 BCE.
What currency is used in China?
The official currency of China is the Yuan (¥).
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