China's Population Declines for Fourth Year

China's population has been getting smaller for four years in a row.

At the end of 2025, there were 1.405 billion people in China, which is fewer than the 1.408 billion in 2024.

There were also fewer babies born in 2025, about 7.92 million, compared to 9.54 million in 2024.

The number of babies born per 1,000 people was the lowest ever recorded.

More people died in 2025 than in 2024.

This is happening because fewer babies are being born and more people are getting older.

China used to have a policy that limited the number of children families could have, which has led to fewer young people now.

The government is trying to encourage more births, but it's not working very well.

Other countries with similar problems often bring in immigrants to help, but China doesn't do that much.

Young people in China say they don't want to get married or have children because it's too expensive and they don't feel ready.