China's Population
   China's population, which is the biggest in the world, stood at 1.248 billion at the end of 1998. It is unevenly distributed. The population density exceeds 100 persons per sq km in most parts of the country east of the line drawn between Harbin and Kunming. And it is more than 400 persons per sq km in some areas. The population density is below 50 persons per sq km in the vast region west of the line, and in many areas it is less than one person per sq km. The eastern part of China is densely populated, while the western part is sparsely peopled.