China Population Distribution by Province-Level Division
The Fifth National Population Census provides a comprehensive snapshot of the demographic landscape across China's province-level divisions. The data reveals a significant variance in population density and ethnic composition, ranging from massive industrial and agricultural hubs to sparsely populated autonomous regions.
Across the mainland, the population is distributed unevenly, with a small number of provinces housing the vast majority of the citizenry, while others remain relatively underpopulated due to geography and climate.
Key Facts
- Henan is the most populous province-level division.
- Tibet is the least populous, with 2,620,000 people.
- Nine province-level divisions have populations exceeding 50 million.
- Tibet and Xinjiang have the highest concentrations of ethnic minorities, both exceeding 50%.
- The total population, including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, stands at 1,295,330,000.
Population Tiers by Region
The census categorizes province-level divisions into three primary population tiers based on their total inhabitants.
High-Population Divisions (Over 50 Million)
Nine regions fall into this category. Henan and Shandong lead the nation with over 90 million people each. They are followed by Guangdong and Sichuan, both exceeding 80 million. Jiangsu follows with over 70 million, while Hebei, Hunan, and Hubei each house more than 60 million people. Anhui completes this tier with a population over 50 million.
Mid-Population Divisions (10–50 Million)
Eighteen divisions fall within this range. The most populous in this group—Zhejiang, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yunnan, Liaoning, and Jiangxi—all have over 40 million residents. Those with over 30 million include Heilongjiang, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Fujian, Shanxi, and Chongqing Municipality. Jilin, Gansu, and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region have over 20 million, while Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and the municipalities of Shanghai, Beijing, and Tianjin have over 10 million.
Low-Population Divisions (Under 10 Million)
Four divisions have fewer than 10 million people. Hainan, Ningxia, and Qinghai each have more than 5 million. The Tibet Autonomous Region is the least populous of all province-level divisions, with a total of 2,620,000 people.
Ethnic Minority Distribution
The census highlights a distinct geographical pattern regarding ethnic minorities (populations belonging to ethnic groups other than the Han majority). While the national average for ethnic minority populations is approximately 8.41% to 8.47%, this varies wildly by region.
Concentration and Proportions
Tibet and Xinjiang exhibit the highest concentrations of ethnic minorities, representing 94.07% and 59.39% of their respective populations. Qinghai follows with 45.51%. Other regions with minority populations exceeding 30% include Guangxi, Guizhou, Ningxia, and Yunnan.
Absolute Numbers
In terms of absolute numbers, Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Xinjiang each host more than 10 million ethnic minority residents. Liaoning and Hunan follow with over 5 million each, while Inner Mongolia and Sichuan have more than 4 million.
Population Summary Table
| Administrative Region | Total Population | Han Population % | Minority Population % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henan | 91,236,854 | 98.78% | 1.22% |
| Guangdong | 85,225,007 | 98.58% | 1.42% |
| Sichuan | 82,348,296 | 95.02% | 4.98% |
| Guangxi | 43,854,538 | 61.66% | 38.34% |
| Xinjiang | 18,459,511 | 40.61% | 59.39% |
| Tibet | 2,616,329 | 5.93% | 94.07% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which province has the largest population?
Henan is the most populous province-level division, with a population of 91,236,854.
Which region has the lowest population?
The Tibet Autonomous Region is the least populous, with 2,616,329 people.
Where is the highest percentage of ethnic minorities found?
The highest concentration is in the Tibet Autonomous Region, where ethnic minorities make up 94.07% of the population.
How many province-level divisions have more than 50 million people?
There are nine province-level divisions with populations exceeding 50 million.
What is the total population including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan?
The total population including these regions is 1,295,330,000.