Hukou System

Hukou System

A hukou is a record in the system of household registration required by law in the People's Republic of China (mainland China). The system itself is more properly called "huji", and has origins in ancient China.

A household registration record officially identifies a person as a resident of an area and includes identifying information such as name, parents, spouse, and date of birth.

A hukou can also refer to a family register in many contexts since the household registration record (simplified Chinese: 户籍謄本; traditional Chinese: 戶籍謄本; pinyin: hùjí téngběn) is issued per family, and usually includes the births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and moves, of all members in the family. A similar household registration system exists within the public administration structures of Japan (koseki), Vietnam (Hộ khẩu), and North Korea (Hoju). In South Korea the Hoju system was abolished on 1 January 2008.

Read more about Hukou System:  Nomenclature, History, Household Registration in China, Household Registration in Taiwan, Special Administrative Regions

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