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.
China has 55 ethnic minority groups widely distributed in west, southwest and northwest China and most of them live in border regions. They make up around 7% of the whole population. The largest minority group, Zhuang, has 15.5 million people. There are 5 autonomous regions including Guangxi Zhuangzu Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ningxia Huizu Autonomous Region and Tibet Autonomous Region.
These minority ethnic groups have their own distinctive traditions, customs, cultures, society structures and languages. Most ethnic minority groups are distinctive from one another. They have different religious beliefs (including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Shamanism and others) and many have their own languages. 53 ethnic groups speak their own languages whilst 23 ethnic groups have their unique written languages.
Most folk instruments such as pipas, waist drums, flutes and copper gongs generally used now in China came from ethnic minorities. Zhang, Dai and Han have deep respect for the natural world. Li are the best known for their traditional weaving skills and producing colourful and woven articles while Zhuang and Dong have famous brocades. She people have strong artistic traditions using using bamboo and Bai people have colourful and attractive costumes.
All minority ethnic groups are allowed to live in compact communities and establish self-governments. They enjoy great autonomy and their originality and uniqueness can be maintained. They can enact regulations for self-government and specialist regulations corresponding to local political, economical and cultural conditions. They are given the independent rights to make use of local revenue, manage education, science, culture, construction, public health and other local affairs. In order to facilitate their economic and cultural development, central government has established institutes and cadre schools and given great financial support.