Watan-The marriage rate in China fell by one-fifth last year despite the multifaceted efforts of authorities to encourage young people to marry and have children in order to boost the country’s declining population.
Figures from the Ministry of Civil Affairs showed that more than 6.1 million young men and women applied for marriage last year, down from 7.68 million the previous year.
The decline in interest in marriage and starting a family is often attributed to the high cost of child-rearing and education in China. Additionally, sluggish economic growth over the past few years has made it difficult for university graduates to find jobs, and those who are employed feel insecure about their long-term future.
China’s Marriage Rate Drops Sharply
For Chinese authorities, however, increasing interest in marriage and childbirth is an urgent priority.
China has a population of 1.4 billion and is the second-largest country in the world by population, but it is facing an accelerating aging rate.
The birth rate has been declining for decades due to China’s one-child policy, which was in effect from 1980 to 2015, as well as rapid urbanization during that period.
In the next decade, around 300 million Chinese people—roughly equivalent to the total population of the United States—are expected to retire.
Fewer Young People Getting Married
Measures taken by authorities last year to address the issue included urging Chinese colleges and universities to provide “love education” to promote positive views on marriage, love, fertility, and family.
In November, China’s State Council, or cabinet, instructed local governments to allocate resources to address the country’s demographic crisis and promote respect for childbirth and marriage “at the appropriate age.”
Last year saw a slight increase in births after a decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and because 2024 is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac, during which children born are believed to be ambitious and blessed with great fortune.
However, despite the rise in births, the country’s population declined for the third consecutive year.
The data also showed that more than 2.6 million men and women filed for divorce last year, an increase of 1.1% compared to 2023.
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