China’s population declines for third year as demographic crisis deepens

China: China’s population has declined for the third straight year in 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), falling by 1.39 million to 1.408 billion.

According to Aljazeera, this drop reflects a continued trend where deaths outpace births.

The population has been shrinking since the 1980s, with 2022 marking the first time deaths exceeded births since 1961.

Despite efforts to boost the birthrate, including subsidies and policies to limit divorces and abortions, the country faces challenges such as high living costs, youth unemployment, and a slowing economy.

The 2024 baby boom expected during the Year of the Dragon was brief.

To address this, Beijing is gradually raising the retirement age, hoping to ease the strain on the economy.

China’s economy grew by 5% in 2024, but growth is predicted to slow in the coming years.

(Aljazeera)