Small minority groups' population reaches 1.69 million

The number of ethnic people in China classed as members of small minority groups has reached 1.69 million, according to figures released on Thursday.

The country recognizes 28 small minority groups, those with populations under 300,000, among its 56 ethnic groups, the vice director of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission explained at a press conference on Thursday.

Dainzhub Ongboin said that the number has grown from 650,000 in 2002, when China still classed small minority groups as those with populations under 100,000. It therefore recognized only 22 such groups at the time.

China has paid much attention to the development of small minority groups and achieved great success in the last 10 years, fundamentally changing their living standards, according to Dainzhub Ongboin.

Their cultures will be showcased in an upcoming national ethnic minority arts festival, he added.

The 4th National Ethnic Minority Arts Festival will be held from June 7 to July 6, and present 41 plays incorporating traditional song and dance, modern drama, traditional Chinese opera, orchestra and acrobatics.