Fifty-four salutes indicated that there were 54 ethnic groups in China at that time, and 28 salutes indicated that the China * * * Production Party had led the people of the whole country since the establishment of 192 1. After 28 years of struggle, the country became independent, and the people turned over and became masters of their own affairs, thus ushered in 1949 1. Since then, our motherland has been prosperous and the people have lived a happy life.

The 54-gun salute is 28 guns, and the 54-gun salute symbolizes 54 ethnic groups in China (there was no such thing as 56 ethnic groups at that time). The 28-gun salute symbolizes the victory of the new-democratic revolution led by the * * * production party of China after 28 years of hard struggle. When the salute roared, Chairman Mao pressed the button and the five-star red flag Ran Ran rose.

1965 It was determined that the Lhoba nationality is the single ethnic group with the smallest population in China, with only over 2,000 people. 1June, 979, Jinuo was officially recognized as a single ethnic minority. So far, the framework of 56 ethnic families in China has been basically determined.

Extended data

Before the founding of the People's Republic of China, ethnic differences in China were in a state of chaos. In order to make all ethnic groups in China truly realize ethnic equality, fully enjoy the rights of ethnic equality and regional ethnic autonomy, give full play to the enthusiasm and initiative of people of all ethnic groups, and make their economy and culture develop rapidly, it is necessary to carry out ethnic identification nationwide.

China's national identity can be roughly divided into four stages.

The first stage: from the founding of People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949 to the first national census in 1954. After in-depth and meticulous field investigation and scientific research, Mongolia, Hui, Tibetan, Manchu, Uygur, Miao, Yi, Zhuang, Buyi, North Korea, Dong, Yao, Bai, Hani, Kazak, Dai, Li, Lisu, Wa and Yi have been identified at this stage.

The second stage: the second national census from 1954 to 1964. On the basis of the experience and achievements gained in the first stage, ethnic identification will be further deepened. At present, the names of the remaining ethnic groups (183) registered in the last national census have been studied one by one, and 15 ethnic groups have been newly identified, namely Tujia, She, Daur, Hezhe, Mulao, Bulang, Gelao, Achang, Pumi and Pumi. At the same time, 74 self-reported ethnic groups in the census merged into 53 recognized ethnic minorities.

The third stage: 1965 to 1982 the third national census. At this stage, the Barro nationality in Luo Yu, Tibet was identified as 1965, and the Jinuo nationality in Jinuo Mountain, Yunnan was identified as 1979. So far, the number of members of the China ethnic family has increased to 56.

The fourth stage: from 65438 to 0982, the third national census. At this stage, ethnic identification not only continues to investigate and study the identification of ethnic minorities, but also mainly carries out the restoration and modification of ethnic components and the merger of some ethnic groups. According to statistics, since 1982, the number of people who have restored or changed their nationalities in China has exceeded120,000.

The smooth progress of ethnic identification in China has solved an arduous and complicated problem in ethnic work and provided a scientific basis for the party and the state to formulate ethnic policies.