China
People's Republic of China
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.01%
Home to approximately 1.41 billion people, China is one of the three most populous countries in the world. The country extends across 9.71 million km², translating to a density of 145 people per km². Its capital is Beijing, and Chinese is the official language, while the Chinese yuan serves as the national currency.
Population
1,408,280,000
Area
9,706,961 km²
Density
145/km²
World Rank
#2
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Deaths (7.9 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (6.4 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 16% of residents under 15 and 14.7% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Beijing
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Eastern Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Chinese
- Currencies
- Chinese yuan (¥)
- Calling Code
- +86
- Top-Level Domain
- .cn, .中国, .中國, .公司, .网络
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+08:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 1,408,280,000
- Land Area
- 9,706,961 km²
- Population Density
- 145 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.01%
- Annual Growth
- +140,828 people
- Daily Growth
- +386 people
- World Population Share
- 17.39%
- Coordinates
- 35.00°, 105.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $13.3k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—roughly in line with the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 4.6%, below the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 36.0 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
78.0 years
GDP per Capita
$13,303
Birth Rate
6.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.9 per 1,000
Urban Population
65.9%
Fertility Rate
1.00 births/woman
Infant Mortality
4.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
4.6%
Literacy Rate
96.7%
Internet Users
92.0%
Under 15
16.0%
Over 65
14.7%
Health Spending
5.9% GDP
Gini Index
36.0
Age Distribution
0-14 years
225.5M
15-64 years
976.2M
65+ years
206.6M
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 65.9% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. Beijing, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 268126.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
927.9M
65.9%
480.4M
34.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 78.0 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 4.5 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. The literacy rate of 96.7% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in China
China has 640 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that China is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.0 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, China participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,408,280,000 |
| 2030 | 1,412,085,976 |
| 2035 | 1,423,496,852 |
| 2040 | 1,441,477,029 |
| 2045 | 1,465,335,538 |
| 2050 | 1,494,536,342 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for China.
Largest Cities in China
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in China by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of China?
The population of China is approximately 1.41 billion as of 2026, making it #2 in the world by population.
What is the capital of China?
The capital of China is Beijing.
What languages are spoken in China?
The main languages spoken in China are Chinese.
How big is China?
China covers an area of 9,706,961 km² with a population density of 145 people per km².
Is China growing or shrinking?
China is growing at a rate of 0.01% per year, adding approximately 140,828 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in China?
The average life expectancy in China is 78.0 years.
What is the GDP per capita of China?
The GDP per capita of China is $13,303.