China is the world's most populous country, with a population of over 1.4 billion people. China is the fourth largest country in the world by land area, after Russia, Canada, and the United States. China has the world's oldest continuous civilization, dating back over 5,000 years. The Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world, stretching over 13,000 miles. The Chinese language is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over 1 billion speakers. China is the world's largest producer and consumer of rice, wheat, and pork. China is the world's second-largest economy, after the United States. The Chinese invented paper, gunpowder, and the compass. China is the world's largest exporter and second largest importer of goods. The Chinese invented the first known seismograph, which was used to detect earthquakes. The Chinese were the first to discover and use acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique. China has the world's largest standing army, with over 2 million active troops. China is home to the world's largest hydroelectric power plant, the Three Gorges Dam. The Chinese invented the world's first printed book, the Diamond Sutra, in the 8th century. China is the world's largest producer of solar panels and wind turbines. The Chinese invented the first known bicycle, which was made of wood and used a chain drive. China is the world's largest producer of tea, with over 2.5 million metric tons produced annually. The Chinese invented the first known kite, which was used for military purposes. China is the world's largest market for automobiles, with over 28 million vehicles sold annually. The Chinese were the first to discover and use the process of silk production. China has the world's largest high-speed rail network, with over 22,000 miles of track. The Chinese invented the first known paper money, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). China is the world's largest producer of rare earth metals, which are used in high-tech products such as smartphones and electric cars. The Chinese invented the first known playing cards, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, responsible for 28% of global emissions. The Chinese invented the first known umbrella, which was made of silk and used for shade. China is the world's largest consumer of energy, with over 4 billion metric tons of oil equivalent consumed annually. The Chinese invented the first known toilet paper, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). China is the world's largest producer of electric vehicles, with over 1 million sold annually. The Chinese invented the first known firecrackers, which were used for religious and ceremonial purposes. China is the world's largest steel producer, with over 831 million metric tons produced annually. The Chinese invented the first known "silk road," a trade route that connected China to the Mediterranean world. China is the world's largest consumer of gold, with over 1,000 metric tons consumed annually. The Chinese invented the first known crossbow, which was used in warfare. China is the world's largest producer of peanuts, with over 12 million metric tons produced annually. The Chinese invented the first known surgical anesthesia, using a mixture of herbs and minerals. China is the world's largest producer of cotton, with over 6 million metric tons produced annually. The Chinese invented the first known movable type printing press, during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). China is home to the world's largest single-aperture radio telescope, the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST). The Chinese were the first to use the technique of porcelain production, creating delicate and highly prized ceramics. China has the world's largest number of dams, with over 85,000 dams in operation. The Chinese invented the first known seismometer, an instrument used to measure the motion of the ground during an earthquake. China is the world's largest consumer of coal, with over 4 billion metric tons consumed annually. The Chinese were the first to use the technique of bronze casting, creating intricate and highly detailed sculptures. China has the world's largest number of skyscrapers, with over 900 buildings taller than 500 feet. The Chinese were the first to use the technique of lacquer production, creating highly prized and durable wood finishes. China is the world's largest producer of bamboo, with over 1 billion metric tons produced annually. The Chinese were the first to use the technique of jade carving, creating intricate and highly prized sculptures. China has the world's largest number of airports, with over 230 airports in operation. The Chinese invented the first known abacus, a simple counting device still used in some parts of the world today.