China is known for its large population, vast territory, and rich natural resources. China has a population of more than billion, an area of million square kilometres, and identified reserves of 150 different minerals. The Chinese economy has been growing steadily since 1949, and especially in recent decades, the implementation of economic reform and the adoption of an "open door" policy have exercised a great influence on Chinese economic development. China's GNP has grown from about RBM 360 billion in 1978 to nearly RBM 1,800 billion in 1990, a five-fold increase. The growth rate of real GNP.
