China, country located in East Asia, is the most populous nation in the world and one of the oldest continuous civilizations, with a history spanning thousands of years. The name "China" is derived from the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE), which unified the country under its rule. The official name of the country is the People's Republic of China (PRC), established in 1949 after the Chinese Civil War. China has a rich cultural heritage, including influential contributions to philosophy, art, science, and technology. The country has undergone significant transformation, from an imperial monarchy to a communist republic. China is known for its vast landscapes, including the Great Wall, the Yangtze River, and the Tibetan Plateau, as well as its bustling cities like Beijing and Shanghai. The capital is Beijing.