China's population falls again to 1.4 billion as birth rate hits historic low
China's population fell for the fourth straight year to about 1.4 billion by end-2025 as birth rates hit a record low; government policies to boost births show limited effect.

China’s population falls again as births drop to lowest rate since 1949 communist revolution

China’s Official Birth Rate Falls to Lowest in Decades

China's population falls again as birth rate drops to lowest since 1949

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Overview
China's population dropped by 3.39 million to roughly 1.4 billion by end-2025, marking the fourth consecutive annual decline.
China's 2025 birth rate fell to a historic low of 5.63 per 1,000 people, the lowest since 1949 under Communist Party rule.
Births in 2025 declined 17% to 7.92 million from 9.54 million the previous year, reversing a brief uptick in 2024.
Government measures — including tax changes, cash subsidies, and tax exemptions for childcare services — have had limited success boosting fertility.
China now ranks as the world's second-most populous country after India, facing demographic challenges from an aging population and shrinking workforce.
Analysis
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