China’s population falls again as birthrate hits record low

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Reuters in BeijingJanuary 19, 2026 at 09:30 AM

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medium article 3 min

China's population declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, dropping by 3.39 million to 1.405 billion, as the birth rate hit a record low of 5.63 per 1,000 people. Only 7.92 million births were recorded, a 17% decrease from 2024, while deaths rose to 11.31 million. This demographic shift is driven by factors including the long-term effects of the one-child policy, increasing urbanization, and declining marriage rates, which fell sharply in 2024. The aging population, with over-60s accounting for approximately 23% of the total, poses challenges to China's economic growth and pension systems. In response, the government is raising retirement ages and promoting pro-marriage and pro-child policies, and has relaxed marriage registration rules.

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Italy 30% United States 35% Beijing 40% University of Wisconsin-Madison 50% Yi Fuxian 65% National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) ×275% China ×895%

Keywords

birthrate 90% population decline 90% ageing population 70% demographic challenge 60% marriage rate 60% one-child policy 50% retirement age 50% domestic consumption 50% death rate 40%