China, a country about the same size as the United States, is located on the continent of Asia. Its eastern border, comprising more than 7,000 miles of coastline, abuts the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea. In addition, its land borders 14 other countries. The world's most populous nation, with 1.2 billion people, China consists of 23 provinces and several autonomous regions -- including, most recently, Hong Kong.