Background
Overview
China is a large and ethnically diverse country with the highest population (1.29 billion according to 2000 Census) in the world. There are 56 officially recognised ethnic groups including the Han majority that makes up around 93% of China’s vast population. In order to control the population growth, the Chinese government initiated a One Child Policy in 1979. Every married couple is strongly encouraged to have one child only. However, this family planning policy is not applied to the non-Han ethnic minorities; they are allowed to have more children and enjoy a significant level of autonomy.