In China, the birth rate fell to a record low last year, according to official data released on Monday, which raises concerns that the unexpectedly rapid aging of the population may limit the country’s economic growth.
Birth rates have decreased from 8.52 births per 1,000 people in 2020 to 7.52 births per 1,000 people in 2021, according to data published by the National Bureau of Statistics.
It is the lowest birth rate recorded in China’s annual statistical yearbook since 1978 and the lowest since the founding of the communist People’s Republic of China in 1949.
Although the authorities eased the “one child policy” in 2016 by allowing two children, this has not contributed to an increase in the birth rate in the country.
Last year, the Chinese authorities announced that three children were also allowed in the family.
In 2021, the birth of 10.62 million children was registered in China. The natural population growth rate fell to 0.34 per 1,000 people, from 1.45 a year earlier.
China is experiencing a rapidly aging workforce, slow economic growth and slow population growth, which means a looming demographic crisis.
–
