Except Han Chinese, the majority people in China, the government officially recognizes 55 national minorities speaking different languages; observing unique sets of customs, or both.
Han Chinese are China's largest ethnic group, constituting more than 90 percent of the population. The traditional history of China is largely the story of the Han, who emerged in what is now northern China more than 4,000 years ago. The provenance of the term of Han is from the name of teahe Han dynasty (206BC - 220AD), notable for its military prowess and prosperous life. Due to the egotism of Han People, they distinguished themselves from other peoples on the region's periphery whom they considered barbarians, especially the nomads and herding peoples who lived on the other side of Great Wall or Tibet area.
The rest of China's population comprises 55 minority peoples. They are scattered over about half of Chinese-controlled territories, notably in border regions. Some - like the Zhuang have been totally absorbed into Chinese society. Others, however, like Tibetan and Mongols preserve their identities in their ancestral homelands, their diversity is underscored by the geography and history of the regions they inhabit. Some numbering in the millions include the Zhuang, Mongols, Hui, Tibetan, Miao, Yi etc, and totaling 18 ethnic groups. The following table gives an overall view of the major ethnic groups of China:
The Zhuang are the largest ethnic minority in China. Most are farmers who live in Guanxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Mongols in China live mainly in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Many Mongols are nomadic herders. They travel from place to place with their animals and live in round, felt-covered yurts.
The Hui are one of China's largest ethnic minorities. Many live in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, but Hui communities are scattered throughout the country. Most Hui are Muslims.
Ethnic Tibetans live on the high Tibetan Plateau of southwestern China. Most Tibetans are followers of the Gelugpa, or Yellow Hat, sect of Buddhism.
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