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There are more then 1.3 billion people living in China, about one-fifth of the world's population, making it the most populous nation. Of the many ethnic groups living in China, the largest by far is the Han. This group is diverse in itself and can be divided into smaller ethnic groups that share some traits. Putonghua (Standard Mandarin) is the official language and is based on the Beijing dialect of the Mandarin group of dialects spoken in northern and southwestern China. Standard Mandarin is the medium of instruction in education and is taught in all schools. It is the language used in the media, for formal purposes, and by the government. |
 Sister and brother posing outside Jyekundo town in Tibet |  Tibetan woman from Jyekundo with typical hood and golden teeth |  Teenagers playing cool in Zhujiajiao, close to Shanghai |
 Young men from Tagong |  Woman and boy in Peking |  Shanghai people |
 Colorful and smiling woman from Jyekundo town in Tibet |  Woman in traditional dress in Shi Long Zhai |  Police car, truck and man in Tibet |