China’s Marriage Rates Hit Record Low, Raising Demographic Concerns

The number of marriages in China fell by over 20% in 2024, reflecting economic pressures, shifting societal norms, and long-term demographic challenges.

• China recorded 6.1 million marriages in 2024, a 20.5% drop from 2023 and the lowest number since record-keeping began in 1986.
• The decline follows a decade-long trend, with marriage registrations down 54% from their peak in 2013.
• Experts attribute the drop to economic struggles, changing attitudes toward marriage, and increasing gender polarization, particularly as more women prioritize career and independence.
• The decline in marriages is closely tied to falling birth rates, as traditional norms discourage childbearing outside of marriage, exacerbating China's demographic challenges.
• Government efforts, including pro-natal policies and financial incentives, have largely failed to reverse these trends, raising concerns about the long-term impact on China's aging population and economy.

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