The first volume of Encyclopedia of Chinese Ethnic Minorities -- the Naxi Ethnic Group Volume -- has been published recently by the Guangxi Nationalities Publishing House.

The Naxi Volume of the Encyclopedia of Chinese Ethnic Minorities, containing 1.3 million words, is a comprehensive reference book about this ethnic group. With nearly 3,000 entries, the book systematically introduces the Naxi people living in southwest China, including their history, culture and current situation. The contents are divided into 19 categories: society, nature & geography, history, economy, science & technology, thoughts, education, religions, languages and words, literature, culture & art, cultural relics, scenic spots, medical care and sanitation, press and publication, sports and entertainment, folk customs, people, and ancient books and records. At the end of the book, relevant materials are enclosed for readers' convenience.

Fei Xiaotong, a world-renowned sociologist, is the editor-in-chief of the encyclopedia series. The huge series of books, with wide coverage of the economy, society, history and culture of the 55 Chinese ethnic minorities, draw attention from both domestic and overseas readers.

The Encyclopedia of Chinese Ethnic Minorities opens a new page in China's history of dictionary compilation and is of great significance. It will help people of the ethnic minorities know more about themselves so as to confirm their self-confidence. Meanwhile, it helps promote unity of all ethnic groups in China. The encyclopedia will serve as a reference book for decision-making on the economic and cultural development in those areas, as well as for studies on Chinese ethnic groups.

The Encyclopedia of Chinese Ethnic Minorities will come out in 55 volumes, each focusing on one of the country's 55 ethnic minority groups.

(China.org.cn translated by Li Jinhui, January 10, 2003)