Population of China

Population Overview

China is one of the most populous countries in the world, with an estimated population of approximately 1.41billion as of late 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. However, recent years have seen a trend towards slowing or even negative population growth. In 2023, China experienced a natural population growth rate of -1.48‰.

Population Structure

Age and Gender Distribution

In 2023, China exhibited a pronounced aging trend: the population aged 0-15 years accounted for 17.6%, those within the 16-60 age group made up 61.3%, and individuals aged 60 and above comprised 21.1%, with those 65 years and older representing 15.4% of the population. These shifts toward an older population are attributed to advancements in medical care and improved life quality, alongside decreasing birth rates. Additionally, the gender ratio stood at 104.49, indicating that males slightly outnumbered females.

Regional Distribution

China's population exhibits a marked "denser in the East, sparser in the West" distribution. Eastern coastal regions such as the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area benefit from relatively favorable natural conditions, flat terrains, suitable climates, and higher economic development. These regions offer abundant employment opportunities, high-quality educational resources, and advanced medical facilities, attracting a significant concentration of the population.

Urban-rural Distribution

The urbanization rate in China has been rising, with 66.16% of the population living in urban areas in 2023. With the ongoing urbanization process in China, the urban population ratio has been steadily increasing, drawing a substantial number of rural inhabitants towards urban centers. The economic, cultural, educational, and medical advantages of urban areas continue to attract rural populations, causing a decline in rural population numbers and leading to depopulation in some remote rural areas.

Ethnic Population

Diverse Ethnic Composition

China is a unified multi-ethnic nation with 56 ethnic groups. The Han ethnicity makes up over 90% of the total population, while the 55 minority ethnic groups, though smaller in number, contribute rich cultural diversity.

Unique Distribution Patterns

Ethnic minorities primarily reside in the southwest, northwest, and northeast provinces and autonomous regions, such as Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Xizang, Guangxi, and Ningxia, displaying a pattern of large mixed settlements, small clustered settlements, and intermingled living. This distribution facilitates interethnic communication and integration while preserving unique cultural and customary practices.