Editor's Notes

China's demographic pattern demonstrates that the number of senior citizens in China will increase drastically in coming years. Low birth rate and the outdated social security system have become the potential risks in China's future development.

Figures

 

Major Figures of Population and Family Planning?(2004-2008)
Item	Unit	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Total Population	10,000	129988	130756	131448	132129	132802
Birth Rate	‰	12.29	12.40	12.09	??12.10	16.03
Death Rate	‰	6.42	6.51	6.81	6.93	6.50
Natural Growth Rate	‰	6.87	5.89	5.28	5.17	9.53
Of which: 0-14 years	10,000				25660	?25166
15-59 years	10,000				? 91129	?91647
60 years and over	10,000		?14509	?14901	? 15340	?15989
?Of which:?80 years and over	?10,000		1479	?1550	1626	?1805

Challenges

 

??? Nation's aged will strain system
At the rate at which Chinese society is aging, each retiree will be supported by less than two taxpayers by 2059, according to a seminar held by the country's top advisory body.[Full story]

? Aging population threatens sustainability of health insurance fund
? Age-old problem looms for families

Opinion

? Aging population may bring changes to one-child policy
In the face of an aging population in this coastal city, the government should improve the social welfare system and encourage more eligible couples to have a second child, a political adviser suggested. [Full story]

? Nation gets older, but services are lagging

? Demographic challenges

? Aging population may be catalyst for change
? 'Family planning may need adjustment'

More special coverages

?? China population census???
China carries out a national population census every 10 years. According to the National Population and Family Planning Commission, the population on the Chinese mainland will reach 1.39 billion by the end of 2015.

?? Anniversary of family planning policy
Although the Population and Family Planning Law was formally implemented in 2005, the family planning has been practiced as a basic policy for 30 years.