By the end of 1996, the population of Yunnan reached 40,415,000, of whom the Han took up 66.82 percent with a total population of 25,882,000; ethnic minorities took up 33.18 percent with a total population of 12,853,000. Among the 16 sub-provincial prefectures, Qujing has the largest population and Diqing the smallest.

    The population of Yunnan is approximately 34 million. There are 24 registered minorities, including the Zhuang, Hui, Yi, Miao, Tibetans, Mongols, Yao, Bai, Hani, Dai, Lisu, Lahu, Wa, Naxi, Jingpo, Bulang, Pumi, Nu, Achang, Benglong, Jinuo, and Dulong.