According to the 7th census conducted by China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), China’s annual population growth stood at ‘0.53%’ in the last decade (2010-20), the lowest since 1953.
- China’s population stood at 1.41 Billion in 2020, an increase of 72 million or 5.38% growth compared to the last census in 2010.
- The report also states that 12 million babies were born in 2020 (lowest number since 1961), with the number of births falling for the 4th consecutive year.
- The main cause of slowing growth rate has been attributed to China’s ‘one-child policy’.
- China’s population is expected to reach its peak in 2025.
Increase in Old Age Population & Impacts
i.According to the census,
- There are 264 million people in the age group of 60, accounting for 18.70% of China’s population (up by 5.44% since 2010).
- People in the 15-59 age group were 894 million, accounting for 63.35% of the population (down by 6.79% since 2010). By 2050, it is expected to fall to 700 million.
ii.Increase of old age population & decrease of young people population will impact the labour force and healthcare of China.
Urbanization
iii.The urban population touched 901 million, accounting for 63.89%, an increase from 49.68% in 2010 (an increase of 236 million urban residents in 2010-20).
India to emerge as World’s most populous country by 2023 or 2024
According to Chinese demographers, India may overtake China as the most populous country by 2023 or 2024, much sooner than the UN projects of 2027.
- Based on 2019 estimates, India had an estimated population of 1.37 Billion.
Recent Related News:
i.April 23, 2021, According to a report by People’s Bank of China (PBoC), China’s Central Bank, India’s Demographic Advantage (% of Younger Population) will overtake China’s Demographic Advantage by 2035.
About China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)
Commissioner – Ning Jizhe
Headquarters – Beijing
