Marriages in China fall to historic low

Only 6.83 million couples completed marriage registration last year in China, data published on the website of China's Ministry of Civil Affairs showed, down about 800,000 from the previous year.

The number of marriages in China last year fell to a record low. Photo: Reuters

The decline comes after pandemic restrictions. China's population is also set to shrink for the first time in six decades in 2022, with profound implications for the economy at home and abroad.

China's birth rate also fell last year to 6.77 births per 1,000 people, the lowest on record, from 7.52 in 2021.

Demographers warn China will grow old before it gets rich, as its workforce shrinks and local governments will have to spend more on the elderly.

To encourage marriage and boost birth rates, China said last month it would launch pilot projects in more than 20 cities aimed at creating a “new era” marriage and childbearing culture.

Some provinces are also giving newlyweds a paid leave after they get married.

Quoc Thien (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hon-nhan-o-trung-quoc-giam-xuong-muc-thap-nhat-lich-su-post251285.html