China Population 2026
As of 2025, China's population stands at approximately 1,408,975,000, making it the second most populous country in the world. This figure reflects a slight decline from previous years, with a one-year growth rate of -0.12%, indicating the onset of a demographic contraction.
Population Trend (China)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How China's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
China's population has entered a period of decline after decades of steady growth, driven by low fertility rates and an aging demographic structure. The 1-year growth rate of -0.12% in 2025 marks a shift from the 10-year average growth of 0.27%, which itself was already among the slowest in the East Asia & Pacific region. As an upper middle income country, China faces challenges associated with a shrinking workforce and rising dependency ratios, though its total population remains the world's second largest. Regional context shows that while many neighboring countries in East Asia & Pacific continue to grow, China's demographic trajectory is increasingly similar to that of other aging economies, such as Japan and South Korea, albeit on a much larger scale.
Key Facts
- China's population in 2025 is 1,408,975,000, ranking #2 globally.
- The 1-year growth rate for 2025 is -0.12%, indicating a population decline.
- Over the past 10 years, the average annual growth rate was 0.27%.
- China is classified as an upper middle income country by the World Bank.
- The country is located in the East Asia & Pacific region.
- Despite the decline, China remains the second most populous nation after India.