China is the largest nation in the world in terms of its population. In terms of its surface area, it is the fourth-largest nation on the planet. 

China is also among the oldest nations in the world. It has existed for thousands of years, although its rulers and structure have changed many times. 

The Great Wall of China was begun to be built over 2 000 years ago. It is over 20 000 kilometers long, and its purpose was to prevent neighbouring peoples from attacking China. Nowadays, it is a popular tourist attraction. 

Many inventions, such as paper, gunpowder, the compass, kites and paper money, originally come from China. China was an advanced civilization long before ancient Greece and Rome.