Compiled by China’s Xinhua News Agency since 1980, China Yearbook is the authoritative review of the current situation in China. China Yearbook records China's achievements in implementing its reform and open policy initiatives, its modernization drive, as well as the major policy decisions and current events. China Yearbook 2012 is a key reference for decision makers in China, for businesses considering investment in China, and for other China watchers. As China continues to experience rapid change, China Yearbook provides a unique view of conditions inside what is both the world’s fastest growing economy, and the world’s most populous nation.

Topics in China Yearbook 2012 include History, Geography, Land and Resources, Structure of the State, Political Parties, Justice and Law, National Defense, Foreign Affairs, National Unification, Population and Ethnic Groups, Religion, Labor and Social Security, Civil Affairs, National Economy, Money and Banking, Public Finance, Environment, Energy, Housing and Construction, Agriculture, Industry, Communications, Transport, Commerce,
Administrative Regions, Tourism, Health and Safety, Science and Technology, Education, Culture, Sports, Intellectual Property, Human Rights, Women and Children, Major Events, and Government Documents. The Constitution of The People’s Republic of China is also included.