China’s population declines for third consecutive year

Beijing: China reported a population decline for the third straight year in 2024, with the population standing at approximately 1.40 billion, down by 1.4 million compared to the previous year.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan has experienced a population decline for the past 15 years, while South Korea saw its population begin to shrink in 2021.

Historically, Italy recorded its first population drop in the 19th century, with a decline of about 400,000 people.

The United Nations highlighted that 63 countries and territories have already peaked in population, with 48 more expected to reach their peak within the next 30 years.

The global population, currently at 8.2 billion, is projected to rise to 10.3 billion within 60 years before beginning to decline.

In response to aging populations and shrinking birth rates, many governments in affected countries have introduced financial incentives to encourage childbirth.