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China’s Population Declines for Fourth Year in a Row
China’s population has fallen again, marking the fourth straight year of decline and raising fresh concerns about the country’s long-term future. Official figures show that the number of people living in China dropped in 2025, continuing a trend that began earlier in the decade.
The fall is being linked to several factors. Birth rates remain low, with fewer couples choosing to have children, while the ageing population is growing rapidly. Rising living costs, especially in big cities, and the pressures of work have also discouraged many young people from starting families.
This decline is significant because China has long been the world’s most populous nation. For decades, its huge population was seen as a driver of economic growth. Now, experts warn that shrinking numbers could mean fewer workers, slower growth, and greater strain on social services.
The government has tried to encourage families to have more children by offering financial support and easing restrictions, but so far these measures have not reversed the trend. Analysts say that without stronger action, China may face serious challenges in the coming years, including labour shortages and rising healthcare costs.
In simple words: China’s population has fallen for the fourth year in a row, with fewer births and more elderly people creating big challenges for the country’s future.