China's Birthrate , Hits Record Low As , Population Decline Accelerates.
'The Guardian' reports that China's population
decline has continued to pick up speed,
registering another year with record-low birthrates. .
In 2023, the total number of people in China dropped
by 0.2%, equal to about 2.75 million people, bringing
the nation's population down to 1.409 billion. .
According to the National Bureau of Statistics,
the population drop surpassed the record
set in 2022 of about 850,000 people. .
It is the first time China's recorded
population has declined since mass
deaths resulting from Mao-era famines.
2023 also saw China's total deaths rise
6.6% to reach 11.1 million, the highest
level since 1974's cultural revolution.
Over the same period of time, births fell
5.7% to 9.02 million, the lowest ever recorded,
at just 6.39 births for every 1000 people. .
'The Guardian' reports that China has been facing
population decline for years, driven by previous population
control policies and general reluctance to reproduce. .
Chinese officials fear this
"demographic timebomb"
could have a dramatic impact
on the country's economy.
According to the state-run Chinese
Academy of Sciences, China's pension
system is on track to run out of funds by 2035. .
By that time, China's population of people
over 60 years old is predicted to have
increased from about 280 million to 400 million