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  • Category: News

According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the country recorded 7.92 million births in 2025. This marks the lowest annual birth figure since 1949.

Key Demographic Data

The data, published in both the 2025 National Economic and Social Development Statistical Bulletin and the 2025 Statistical Bulletin on Health Development, shows that by the end of 2025:

  • Total population: 1,404.89 million (1.40489 billion)
  • Births: 7.92 million
  • Birth rate: 5.63 per 1,000
  • Deaths: 11.31 million
  • Death rate: 8.04 per 1,000
  • Natural growth rate: -2.41 per 1,000 (negative for the fourth consecutive year)

Historical Context

Annual birth figures from 2021 to 2025 show a clear downward trend: 10.62 million, 9.56 million, 9.02 million, 9.54 million, and 7.92 million. After a slight rebound in 2024, the birth rate fell again in 2025.

Sex Ratio at Birth

The sex ratio at birth in 2025 was 111.5—meaning 111.5 male babies were born for every 100 female babies. Although still above the UN-recommended range of 103–107, this represents a slight improvement from the previous year.

Aging Population

China's aging trend continues to deepen. By the end of 2025, the population aged 65 and above reached 223.65 million, accounting for 15.9% of the total population. The gap between the proportion of children (0–15 years, 16.4%) and the elderly (65+, 15.9%) has narrowed to just 0.5 percentage points.

Life Expectancy and Health Indicators

Despite declining birth rates, health indicators continued to improve. Average life expectancy reached 79.25 years in 2025. The maternal mortality rate fell to 13.4 per 100,000, and the infant mortality rate dropped to 3.8 per 1,000.