Beijing: The birth rate in China dropped to a record last year, official data showed Monday, because analysts warn that aging faster than estimates can deepen economic growth problems.
Beijing has grappled with a demographic crisis that looms in the midst of aging labor, slowing down the economy and the growth of the country’s weakest population in decades.
The second largest birth rate in the world slumped to 7.52 births per 1,000 people, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, down from 8.52 in 2020.
This marks the lowest number recorded in the annual statistical statistics of the country since 1978, and also The lowest since the Chinese Communists was founded in 1949.
Although officials relaxed the “one-child policy” in the country in 2016 – allowing partners to have two children and relieve one of the most stringent family planning regulations – changes have failed to be brought about the baby boom.
Last year, China’s authority extended the policy to allow a pair of three children.
In 2021, the country recorded 10.62 million births in accordance with official data.
The natural population growth rate dropped to 0.34 per 1,000 people, from the previous 1.45 figure.
“Demographic challenges are well-known but the speed of aging population is clearly faster than expected,” said Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist in Pinpoint asset management.