Commnist Party Grows by 6.4 million in 5 Years

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has grown to 73.36 million, up 6.42 million since the last count in 2002.

2002 was when the 16th National congress of the CPC was held.

The 17th National Congress will be held this month.

New members since 2002 number 13.16 million.

31.9% are women

7.1% are ethnic minorities

71.8% were under 35

49.3% were people 'working on the frontline' – policemen, teachers, doctors

12.1% are model workers

32.5% are college grads

As of June 2007, 23.7% of the CPC is under 35, 52.9% are between 36-59.

From the 'new social stratum' – private entrepreneurs, technicians, managerial-level staff in private and foreign-funded firms – 134,000 people have applied.

The breakdown -

By June 2007, the Party had

7.96 million, or 10.8 percent, workers;

23.1 million, or 31 percent, farmers, herdsmen and fishermen;

21.3 million, or 29 percent, cadres, managerial staff and technical specialists;

1.6 million, or 2.2 percent, armymen and armed police;

1.95 million, or 2.6 percent, students;

13.77 million, or 18.8 percent, retired people,

3.64 million, or 5 percent, "others", it said.

Still…73.36 million is a small percentage of China's 1.3 billion people.

So, why are they in charge?