China Population Shrinks for the first time since 1961
China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released its once-a-decade census report on May 11, 2021, showing that China’s population has shrunk for the first time since 1961. The report revealed that China’s population was 1.41178 billion in 2020, down from 1.4 billion in 2019. This decrease is a result of a low birth rate and an aging population, which is a significant concern for China’s economic growth and sustainability.
Why this News is important:
Declining population growth is a critical issue for any country, and China is no exception. The country has been implementing a strict one-child policy since 1980 to control its rapidly growing population. However, the policy was relaxed in 2016, allowing couples to have two children. Despite this change, the number of births in China has continued to decline, leading to a negative population growth rate for the first time in six decades.
The reduction in population growth has significant implications for China’s economy, as it threatens the country’s ability to maintain a sustainable workforce and social security system. Additionally, the country’s aging population is placing a strain on healthcare and social welfare systems, and a shrinking population could exacerbate this issue.
Historical context:
China’s population has been a source of concern for the country’s government for many years. In 1979, the government implemented the one-child policy in response to fears about overpopulation. The policy was successful in curbing population growth but also led to unintended consequences, such as a gender imbalance and an aging population.
In 2016, the Chinese government relaxed the one-child policy, allowing couples to have two children. However, this policy change did not lead to an increase in the number of births as expected. Instead, many young couples are choosing to delay or forego having children due to economic factors, such as high housing and education costs.
Key takeaways from “China’s population shrinks for the first time since 1961”:
| Serial Number | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | China’s population has shrunk for the first time since 1961, with a decrease of 0.05% compared to 2019. |
| 2. | The decrease in population growth is due to a low birth rate and an aging population, posing significant challenges to China’s economy and social welfare system. |
| 3. | The one-child policy implemented in 1979 was successful in controlling population growth but led to unintended consequences, such as a gender imbalance and an aging population. |
| 4. | The relaxation of the one-child policy in 2016 did not lead to an increase in births as expected due to economic factors, such as high housing and education costs. |
| 5. | China’s shrinking population could have far-reaching consequences, including a smaller workforce, increased strain on healthcare and social welfare systems, and reduced economic growth. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decline in China’s population growth is a significant concern for the country’s economic and social sustainability. The government will need to take measures to address the issue, such as providing incentives for couples to have children and improving social welfare systems for the elderly.
Important FAQs for Students from this News
Q: What is China’s population growth rate?
A: China’s population growth rate is currently negative, with a decrease of 0.05% compared to 2019.
Q: What caused the decrease in China’s population growth rate?
A: The decrease in population growth is due to a low birth rate and an aging population.
Q: What is the one-child policy?
A: The one-child policy was a government policy implemented in China in 1979 to control population growth. It restricted most couples to only one child.
Q: When was the one-child policy relaxed in China?
A: The one-child policy was relaxed in 2016, allowing couples to have two children.
Q: What are the implications of a shrinking population for China’s economy?
A: A shrinking population could lead to a smaller workforce, increased strain on healthcare and social welfare systems, and reduced economic growth.
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