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.

Overview

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1.

China's population dropped by 3.39 million to roughly 1.4 billion by end-2025, marking the fourth consecutive annual decline.

2.

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.

3.

Births in 2025 declined 17% to 7.92 million from 9.54 million the previous year, reversing a brief uptick in 2024.

4.

Government measures — including tax changes, cash subsidies, and tax exemptions for childcare services — have had limited success boosting fertility.

5.

China now ranks as the world's second-most populous country after India, facing demographic challenges from an aging population and shrinking workforce.

Written using shared reports from
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