Abstract: This article is based on the empirical analysis of the national census data from 2000 to 2010. Studies have shown that the
population of ethnic minorities in China is mainly distributed in the border areas, the number of people has been rising, and the rate of population growth has been decreasing year by year; the population tends to be aged, the gender structure is relatively stable, and the education level is constantly improving, but the regional differences are significant. With the continuous deepening of China's reforms and the guidance of a series of favorable national policies, the changes, distribution, natural population change rate, population education and cultural level of less populated ethnic groups are moving towards a better direction, laying a solid foundation for winning the battle against poverty.

Key words: ethnic minorities with less population, population development, census data