China is the anglicised name given to 中国 (Zhōng guó lit. Middle Nation), as it is called by the Chinese people. It is a large country that encompasses not only a large territory, but also terrain and climates, from mountains to deserts, and from the cold arid north to the subtropical south. It is home to the largest population in the world - 1.3 billion people, with another 40 million people overseas identify with the culture and language. China is blessed with a rich history and culture, a result of a stable government for nearly 5000 years. Food is an important part of Chinese culture, playing more than just a cultural role; it is an integral part of society and has influenced how China was governed for as long as records have existed.