Early in 1902, the Chinese government began to enumerate the Empire's population for taxation purposes. The population of the eighteen provinces of China proper was 407,734,330. Even back then, China was the most populous country. The British Empire had almost a similar population.

Early in 1902, the Chinese government began to enumerate the Empire's population for taxation purposes. The population of the eighteen provinces of China proper was 407,734,330. Even back then, China was the most populous country. The British Empire had almost a similar population.

Early in 1902, the Chinese government began to enumerate the Empire's population for taxation purposes. The population of the eighteen provinces of China proper was 407,734,330. Even back then, China was the most populous country. The British Empire had almost a similar population.