China is seen variously as an ancient civilization extending over a large area in East Asia, a nation and a multinational entity. With nearly 5,000 years of continuous history, it is one of the world's oldest civilizations.

Prior to the 19th century, it possessed one of the most advanced societies and economies in the world; but through successive dynasties it then missed the industrial revolution. In the 19th and 20th century, imperialism, internal weakness and civil wars damaged the country and its economy, and led to the overthrow of imperial rule. In 1949, the People's Republic of China was established and the country entered a new splendid era.