Around 1.4 billion Chinese people live in the world, with the vast majority in mainland China. If you include people of Chinese descent outside mainland China, estimates are roughly 1.45–1.47 billion total.

Quick Scoop

  • Mainland China: about 1.41 billion people.
  • Outside mainland China: roughly 50–60 million people of Chinese origin or descent.
  • Total global estimate: about 1.46–1.47 billion.

Note

Different sources count this differently:

  • Some mean people living in China.
  • Others mean ethnic Chinese worldwide.

That’s why the number can shift depending on the definition used.