China has overtaken the US to become the world’s biggest online market, writes the BBC. New figures from the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) show that over 253m Chinese now go online, eclipsing for the first time the 223m people using the internet in the US. China’s online population grew 56% in the last year although internet penetration currently remains low at only 19% (against 71% in the US). Analysts predict that growth will continue at about 18% p.a. to reach 490m in 2012.
Growth of netizens in China
Source: China Internet Network Information Center
China Internet Network Information Center: http://www.cnnic.cn/en/index
Internet Penetration Rate in China
Source: China Internet Network Information Center
China Internet Network Information Center: http://www.cnnic.cn/en/index
From The BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk, 28/07/2008
China Internet Network Information Center: http://www.cnnic.cn/en/index