China's Birth Rate Drops to Lowest Since 1949 as Population Declines for First Time in 60 Years

Births in China fell 10% in 2022 to 9.56 million, the lowest number on record since 1949.

The declining birth rate is attributed to high costs of childcare and education, unemployment and job insecurity, and gender discrimination.

China's population declined for the first time in 6 decades, falling to 1.41 billion in 2022.

Nearly 40% of newborns were second children and 15% were from families with 3 or more kids, showing the abandonment of the one-child policy is having an effect.

The government has introduced measures to boost the birth rate, like childcare support and financial incentives, but the demographic downturn continues.