Because of the vast territory and the diverse composition of the Chinese nation, folklore varies from region to region. As early as in the Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago, it was recorded that "customs varied within a distance of 50 kilometers". Over the long course of history, the 56 ethnic groups living in China have each developed their own customs in residence, food, clothing and decorations, marriage, family, festivals, religions, morals, rites and ceremonies and taboos.