According to latest figures, the Chinese population decreased by 1.39 million to around 1.408 billion people in 2024. After decades of rapid growth, China arrived at the turning point of its demographic development in 2022, which was earlier than expected. The annual population decrease is estimated to remain at moderate levels until around 2030 but to accelerate thereafter. Population development in China China had for a long time been the country with the largest population worldwide, but according to UN estimates, it has been overtaken by India in 2023. As the population in India is still growing, the country is very likely to remain being home of the largest population on earth in the near future. Due to several mechanisms put into place by the Chinese government as well as changing circumstances in the working and social environment of the Chinese people, population growth has subsided over the past decades, displaying an annual population growth rate of -0.1 percent in 2024. Nevertheless, compared to the world population in total, China held a share of about 18 percent of the overall global population in 2022. China's aging population In terms of demographic developments, the birth control efforts of the Chinese government had considerable effects on the demographic pyramid in China. Upon closer examination of the age distribution, a clear trend of an aging population becomes visible. In order to curb the negative effects of an aging population, the Chinese government abolished the one-child policy in 2015, which had been in effect since 1979, and introduced a three-child policy in May 2021. However, many Chinese parents nowadays are reluctant to have a second or third child, as is the case in most of the developed countries in the world. The number of births in China varied in the years following the abolishment of the one-child policy, but did not increase considerably. Among the reasons most prominent for parents not having more children are the rising living costs and costs for child care, growing work pressure, a growing trend towards self-realization and individualism, and changing social behaviors.

The region of present-day China has historically been the most populous region in the world; however, its population development has fluctuated throughout history. In 2022, China was overtaken as the most populous country in the world, and current projections suggest its population is heading for a rapid decline in the coming decades. Transitions of power lead to mortality The source suggests that conflict, and the diseases brought with it, were the major obstacles to population growth throughout most of the Common Era, particularly during transitions of power between various dynasties and rulers. It estimates that the total population fell by approximately 30 million people during the 14th century due to the impact of Mongol invasions, which inflicted heavy losses on the northern population through conflict, enslavement, food instability, and the introduction of bubonic plague. Between 1850 and 1870, the total population fell once more, by more than 50 million people, through further conflict, famine and disease; the most notable of these was the Taiping Rebellion, although the Miao an Panthay Rebellions, and the Dungan Revolt, also had large death tolls. The third plague pandemic also originated in Yunnan in 1855, which killed approximately two million people in China. 20th and 21st centuries There were additional conflicts at the turn of the 20th century, which had significant geopolitical consequences for China, but did not result in the same high levels of mortality seen previously. It was not until the overlapping Chinese Civil War (1927-1949) and Second World War (1937-1945) where the death tolls reached approximately 10 and 20 million respectively. Additionally, as China attempted to industrialize during the Great Leap Forward (1958-1962), economic and agricultural mismanagement resulted in the deaths of tens of millions (possibly as many as 55 million) in less than four years, during the Great Chinese Famine. This mortality is not observable on the given dataset, due to the rapidity of China's demographic transition over the entire period; this saw improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and infrastructure result in sweeping changes across the population. The early 2020s marked some significant milestones in China's demographics, where it was overtaken by India as the world's most populous country, and its population also went into decline. Current projections suggest that China is heading for a "demographic disaster", as its rapidly aging population is placing significant burdens on China's economy, government, and society. In stark contrast to the restrictive "one-child policy" of the past, the government has introduced a series of pro-fertility incentives for couples to have larger families, although the impact of these policies are yet to materialize. If these current projections come true, then China's population may be around half its current size by the end of the century.

China Population: Natural Growth Rate data was reported at -0.060 % in 2022. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.034 % for 2021. China Population: Natural Growth Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 1.203 % from Dec 1949 (Median) to 2022, with 74 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.333 % in 1963 and a record low of -0.457 % in 1960. China Population: Natural Growth Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Socio-Demographic – Table CN.GA: Population: Natural Growth Rate: By Region.

The total population in China was estimated at 1409.7 million people in 2023, according to the latest census figures and projections from Trading Economics. This dataset provides - China Population - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the China population over the last 20 plus years. It lists the population for each year, along with the year on year change in population, as well as the change in percentage terms for each year. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population change of China across the last two decades. For example, using this dataset, we can identify if the population is declining or increasing. If there is a change, when the population peaked, or if it is still growing and has not reached its peak. We can also compare the trend with the overall trend of United States population over the same period of time.

Key observations

In 2023, the population of China was 1,282, a 0.71% increase year-by-year from 2022. Previously, in 2022, China population was 1,273, a decline of 0.70% compared to a population of 1,282 in 2021. Over the last 20 plus years, between 2000 and 2023, population of China increased by 120. In this period, the peak population was 1,289 in the year 2020. The numbers suggest that the population has already reached its peak and is showing a trend of decline. Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP).

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP).

Data Coverage:

• From 2000 to 2023

Variables / Data Columns

• Year: This column displays the data year (Measured annually and for years 2000 to 2023)
• Population: The population for the specific year for the China is shown in this column.
• Year on Year Change: This column displays the change in China population for each year compared to the previous year.
• Change in Percent: This column displays the year on year change as a percentage. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for China Population by Year. You can refer the same here

Whereas the population is expected to decrease somewhat until 2100 in Asia, Europe, and South America, it is predicted to grow significantly in Africa. While there were 1.5 billion inhabitants on the continent at the beginning of 2024, the number of inhabitants is expected to reach 3.8 billion by 2100. In total, the global population is expected to reach nearly 10.4 billion by 2100. Worldwide population In the United States, the total population is expected to steadily increase over the next couple of years. In 2024, Asia held over half of the global population and is expected to have the highest number of people living in urban areas in 2050. Asia is home to the two most populous countries, India and China, both with a population of over one billion people. However, the small country of Monaco had the highest population density worldwide in 2021. Effects of overpopulation Alongside the growing worldwide population, there are negative effects of overpopulation. The increasing population puts a higher pressure on existing resources and contributes to pollution. As the population grows, the demand for food grows, which requires more water, which in turn takes away from the freshwater available. Concurrently, food needs to be transported through different mechanisms, which contributes to air pollution. Not every resource is renewable, meaning the world is using up limited resources that will eventually run out. Furthermore, more species will become extinct which harms the ecosystem and food chain. Overpopulation was considered to be one of the most important environmental issues worldwide in 2020.

Macau MO: Population Projection: Mid Year data was reported at 620,184.000 Person in 2050. This records a decrease from the previous number of 623,253.000 Person for 2049. Macau MO: Population Projection: Mid Year data is updated yearly, averaging 431,739.000 Person from Jun 1950 (Median) to 2050, with 101 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 643,249.000 Person in 2036 and a record low of 186,053.000 Person in 1960. Macau MO: Population Projection: Mid Year data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Macau – Table MO.US Census Bureau: Demographic Projection.

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Shiyan, China metro area from 1950 to 2025. United Nations population projections are also included through the year 2035.

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Bozhou, China metro area from 1950 to 2025. United Nations population projections are also included through the year 2035.

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Zixing, China metro area from 1950 to 2025. United Nations population projections are also included through the year 2035.

This web map shows projected population distribution by quinquennial age group within the 18 districts of Hong Kong.

The spatial data is prepared based on the report of Projections of Population Distribution 2015-2024 published by the Planning Department under the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the "Government") in their website: http://www.pland.gov.hk/. The source data is in XLS format and processed and converted to Esri File Geodatabase format and then uploaded to Esri’s ArcGIS Online platform for sharing and reference purpose. The objectives are to facilitate our Hong Kong ArcGIS Online users to use the data in a spatial ready format and save their data conversion effort.

For details about the report of Projections of Population Distribution 2015-2024, related excel tables and terms of conditions of usage, please refer to http://www.pland.gov.hk/pland_en/info_serv/statistic/wgpd15.html.

This layer shows the Projections of Population Distribution in Hong Kong by new town, district council district and tertiary planning unit from 2021 to 2029. It is a set of data made available by the Planning Department under the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the "Government") at https://GEODATA.GOV.HK/ ("Hong Kong Geodata Store"). The source data is in JSON format and has been processed and converted into Esri File Geodatabase format and uploaded to Esri's ArcGIS Online platform for sharing and reference purpose. The objectives are to facilitate our Hong Kong ArcGIS Online users to use the data in a spatial ready format and save their data conversion effort.For details about the data, source format and terms of conditions of usage, please refer to the website of Hong Kong Geodata Store at https://geodata.gov.hk/.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the China population over the last 20 plus years. It lists the population for each year, along with the year on year change in population, as well as the change in percentage terms for each year. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population change of China across the last two decades. For example, using this dataset, we can identify if the population is declining or increasing. If there is a change, when the population peaked, or if it is still growing and has not reached its peak. We can also compare the trend with the overall trend of United States population over the same period of time.

Key observations

In 2022, the population of China was 1,273, a 0.55% decrease year-by-year from 2021. Previously, in 2021, China population was 1,280, a decline of 0.62% compared to a population of 1,288 in 2020. Over the last 20 plus years, between 2000 and 2022, population of China increased by 111. In this period, the peak population was 1,288 in the year 2020. The numbers suggest that the population has already reached its peak and is showing a trend of decline. Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP).

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP).

Data Coverage:

• From 2000 to 2022

Variables / Data Columns

• Year: This column displays the data year (Measured annually and for years 2000 to 2022)
• Population: The population for the specific year for the China is shown in this column.
• Year on Year Change: This column displays the change in China population for each year compared to the previous year.
• Change in Percent: This column displays the year on year change as a percentage. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for China Population by Year. You can refer the same here

Population: Natural Growth Rate: Anhui data was reported at -0.224 % in 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of -0.211 % for 2023. Population: Natural Growth Rate: Anhui data is updated yearly, averaging 0.635 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.817 % in 2017 and a record low of -0.224 % in 2024. Population: Natural Growth Rate: Anhui data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Socio-Demographic – Table CN.GA: Population: Natural Growth Rate: By Region.

Population: Natural Growth Rate: Sichuan data was reported at -0.312 % in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of -0.265 % for 2022. Population: Natural Growth Rate: Sichuan data is updated yearly, averaging 0.297 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2023, with 24 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.510 % in 2000 and a record low of -0.312 % in 2023. Population: Natural Growth Rate: Sichuan data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Socio-Demographic – Table CN.GA: Population: Natural Growth Rate: By Region.

The Working Group on Population Distribution Projections (WGPD) has completed the compilation of the projections of population distribution for 2021-2029, which adopted the latest Census and Statistics Department's projections of territorial population released in September 2020 as the control totals.

Forecast housing supply data adopted by the projections have taken into account all planning information of housing development proposals that were known up to the second quarter of 2020 and other assumptions.

The WGPD compiles projected distributions of population by District Council District (DCD), New Town, as well as Tertiary Planning Unit (TPU). In addition, the projected age structures of population in individual DCDs and New Towns are also compiled.

Please refer to the disclaimer before using results of the projections of population distribution 2021 - 2029.

More information about the background, projection method and geographical demarcation adopted in compiling and disseminating results of the projections of population distribution 2021 - 2029 are available in the report "Projections of Population Distribution 2021 - 2029".

This statistic shows the twenty countries with the projected largest urban populations worldwide in 2050. Forecasts estimate that the urban population of China will be 1.09 billion people in 2050.

Macau MO: Urban Population Growth data was reported at 1.685 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.851 % for 2016. Macau MO: Urban Population Growth data is updated yearly, averaging 2.259 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.147 % in 1964 and a record low of -0.937 % in 1975. Macau MO: Urban Population Growth data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Macau SAR – Table MO.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Urban population refers to people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated using World Bank population estimates and urban ratios from the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on the United Nations Population Division's World Urbanization Prospects: 2018 Revision.; Weighted average;

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Wuwei, China metro area from 1950 to 2025. United Nations population projections are also included through the year 2035.

V1 dataset:Under the global framework of Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), based on localized population and economic parameters, a Population Development Environment (PDE) model is adopted to construct population grid data for SSPs from 2020 to 2100; Using the Cobb Douglas model, construct economic data for SSPs from 2020 to 2100.The v1 dataset includes:Population grid data of the world, The Belt and Road region, and China, with a spatial resolution of 0.5°GDP grid data of the world, The Belt and Road region, and China, with a spatial resolution of 0.5 °Grid data on the output value of three industries in the Chinese region, with a spatial resolution of 0.1 °V2 dataset:Based on the data from the 7th National Population Census of China, starting from 2020, the parameters such as fertility rate, mortality rate, migration rate, and education level in the Population Development Environment (PDE) model were updated. Under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1-5), a new version (v2) of the total population and age and gender specific population projection dataset for China and its provinces from 2020 to 2100 was created. Based on the data from the 7th National Population Census and the 4th Economic Census of China, with 2020 as the starting year, the parameters of total factor productivity, capital stock, labor input, and capital elasticity coefficient in the Cobb Douglas model were updated. Under the shared SSP1-5, a new version (v2) of China and its provincial GDP projectiondataset from 2020 to 2100 was created.The v2 (2024 version) dataset includes:Total Population Data of China and Provinces (2020-2100)Population data by age and gender in China (2020-2100)China and Provincial GDP Data (2020-2100)