
China's population has decreased for the third consecutive year, according to the government in Beijing. The country's population stood at 1.408 billion at the end of 2024, marking a decline of 1.39 million from the previous year. This decline highlights the demographic challenges facing China, including an aging population and a shortage of working-age individuals.
This trend is not unique to China, as countries worldwide, particularly in East Asia, are experiencing similar declines in birth rates. Factors such as rising living costs, delayed marriages, and prioritization of education and careers are contributing to this phenomenon. Countries like China, with limited immigration policies, are particularly vulnerable to these demographic shifts.