A town in northeast China has shrunk by a third since 2010. Here's one family's story
Summary
The town of Yimianpo in northeast China has lost about one-third of its population since 2010. This population decline is part of a broader trend in China, where the population is aging and shrinking. Economic changes and social factors, such as fewer young people and lower birth rates, contribute to this trend.Key Facts
- Yimianpo’s population decreased from about 34,000 in 2010 to just over 23,000 in 2020.
- The number of children under 14 in Yimianpo dropped by half over the same period.
- The number of people aged 65 and older in Yimianpo increased by more than 70% between 2010 and 2020.
- Economic reforms in China led to the closure of many local state-owned enterprises, reducing job opportunities in Yimianpo.
- Many younger residents left Yimianpo to seek better opportunities in other parts of China.
- The province of Heilongjiang, where Yimianpo is located, had fewer than three births per 1,000 residents in 2023, the lowest in China.
- China's overall population has decreased for three consecutive years, with a drop of about 4.3 million people.
- The aging population and declining birth rates pose challenges for China’s future growth and economy.
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