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Yunnan Information

Overview

Yunnan boasts the nation’s most diverse population with eight registered ethnicities holding a significant presence and many others inhabiting portions of the province, but simultaneously is one of ’s most underdeveloped provinces. Located in the country’s southwestern frontier, Yunnan is home to many natural wonders, such as the famed . The province covers 152,230 square miles (394,100 sq km), ranking 8th largest in the nation. The provincial population places 12th with 44,150,000 people. The capital and largest city, , is located centrally just above Dian Chi Lake. The title Yunnan translates to south of clouds.

Yunnan Geography

Yunnan province averages an altitude of 6,500 ft (1,980 m). landforms in the east create a number of spectacular gorges with the river runoff from the to the northwest. The western half also has many north-south running rivers, including the . Yunnan province borders , , , and domestically and Burma (), , and internationally. Yunnan is home to China’s largest wild animal population, earning the title Kingdom for Wild Animals.

Yunnan Demographics

Yunnan province is 67% . Yi come in second with 11% of the population. and Hani compose 3.6% and 3.4% respectively. Zhuang and Dai each constitute 2.7% followed closely by Miao who comprise 2.5%. Hui make up 1.5%. Lisu, Lahu, Va, Naxi, Yao, Tibetan, Jingpo, Blang, Pumi, Nu, Achang, Deang (Penglong), Mongolian, Drung and Jino are also present in Yunnan.

Yunnan History

Yunnan province can be viewed somewhat as a cusp region. In the south its history and culture are tied to those of Burma, Vietnam, and Laos to varying degrees. It also played an interesting role in Chinese-Tibetan relations throughout the years. Yunnan first entered greater Chinese history around the 3rd century BC during the Warring States Period (481 BC – 212 BC) when a general from the Kingdom entered the region and proclaimed himself King. Yunnan was formally incorporated into Chinese dynastic history during the first unification of China at the onset of the (221 BC – 206 BC). A couple of centuries later, invasions led by took the region. Yunnan was subsequently integrated into greater China for the most part, although its southern international borders, not being delineated by natural landforms, have been constantly contested.

Yunnan

Cultivated land constitutes a small portion of Yunnan’s total area due to the mountainous and uneven landscape. However, farming does constitute a significant portion of the region’s . Also important are and . In addition to tobacco, Yunnan exports machinery, electrical equipment, chemical products, and non-ferrous metals. Yunnan is well situated for trade with ASEAN countries.