China's population declines for third straight year as demographic challenges persist

China's population decreased for the third consecutive year, dropping to 1.408 billion at the end of 2024. This decline of 1.39 million people highlights ongoing demographic challenges, including an aging population and a shrinking workforce. The country faces a low birth rate, with many young people delaying marriage and children due to rising living costs. The sex ratio remains imbalanced, with 104.34 men for every 100 women, contributing to potential social issues. Despite government incentives to encourage larger families, such as cash payouts and housing assistance, these measures have had limited success. Urbanization continues, with 10 million more people moving to cities, raising the urbanization rate to 67%.