The torchbearers for the coming Olympic torch relay in the Guangxi Autonomous Region come from 12 ethnic groups, local organizers said on Thursday.

The runners for the June 6-8 relay are from ethnic Han, Zhuang, Yao, Miao, Dong, Mulao, Maonan, Hui, Jing, Yi, Shui and Gelao, said the organizers.

China has 56 ethnic groups.

(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2008)