bbc.com
China's Slowing Population Growth
China's 2021 population growth of only 480,000 raises concerns about a declining birth rate and an aging population, prompting discussions about the implications for the economy and social welfare systems.
Chinese
United Kingdom
EconomyHealthChinaLabour MarketDemographicsAgingPopulation
China National Bureau Of Statistics保银资本管理公司中国社会科学院人口与劳动经济研究所联合国美国人口普查局
张智威易富贤Julian Evans-Pritchard贺军
- What was the net population growth of China in 2021?
- China's population grew by only 480,000 in 2021, a drastic decrease from previous years. This is largely due to a declining birth rate and an aging population.
- What are the main concerns raised by the 2021 population data?
- The unexpectedly low population growth in 2021 has raised concerns about China's demographic future. Experts are now reconsidering previous projections and discussing the implications of a rapidly approaching period of zero or negative population growth.
- What factors are contributing to China's declining birth rate?
- Several factors contribute to China's declining birth rate, including rising costs of raising children, changing societal values, and increased urbanization. Government policies, such as the one-child policy and its subsequent relaxations, have also played a role.
- How do various predictions regarding China's future population growth differ?
- While predictions vary, several sources suggest that China's population could reach its peak in the coming years and begin a period of decline sooner than previously anticipated. This has major implications for global economic and geopolitical forecasts.
- What are the potential economic and social consequences of a shrinking population?
- The potential for negative population growth poses significant challenges for China's economy and social welfare systems. A shrinking workforce could lead to slower economic growth, increased labor costs, and strain on pension and healthcare systems.