The annual population of China has slowed during the decade. This has put the demographic dividend of the country at risk.

Outcomes of the Census

• The annual population growth of China was at 0.53% in 2020 census. It was 0.57% in 2010 census.
• The rate of population increase was the slowest since the first census. The first Census of the country was conducted in 1953.
• The fastest growth rate of the country was reported in 1982. The growth rate was 2.09%.
• The number of births that occurred in China in 2020 was 12 million. This has decreased by 20% as compared to the previous year.
• It is to be noted that China scrapped its “One-Child Policy” in 2016. The policy was introduced in 1979. Now the limit has been increased to two children per couple.
• The population in the age of 60 years and above grew at 18.27% in 2020 Census. It grew at 13.26% in 2010 census.
• The average age of China is 38.8 years. Chinese are rich and strong as compared to that of the US citizens. The average age of US population is 38 years.
• The life expectancy of China has been increasing. Recently, the Government of China increased the retired age of women to 55 years and that of men to 60 years.
• The urban population in China has increased from 49.68% to 63.89%.

Working Age Population

The working age population in China has decreased from 70.14% to 63.35%.  The concern of declining working population in the country has been raised by several experts. In April 2021, the Central Bank of China released a report on Demographics. It said that the demographic dividend in China is fading. And on the other hand, the demographic dividend of India is increasing. This wider force will help India grow at faster rate.

India

According to the United Nations, India will overtake China to become the most populous country in the world by 2025.