China/Society

Society in China

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
1.4B(2023)
Population Growth
-0.1%(2023)
Fertility Rate
1.00(2023)
Death Rate
7.9 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-319K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
78.0 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
6.2 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
16 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure
5.4%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
97%(2020)
Primary Enrollment
89.3%(1997)
Secondary Enrollment
93.3%(2012)
Tertiary Enrollment
74.8(2023)
Education Expenditure
4%(2022)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
77.5%(2023)
Access to Electricity
100%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
97.6%(2022)
Urban Population
910.9M(2023)
Rural Population
499.8M(2023)

Current Social Overview of China

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • China has an estimated population of 1.4B
    2023
    . The population exhibits near-stagnant growth at -0.1%
    2023
    , signaling potential demographic headwinds and an aging trend. The critically low fertility rate of 1.0 births per woman
    2023
    presents severe demographic challenges, including accelerated population aging and contraction, impacting economic and social systems. Net emigration is relatively minor, impacting the population by approximately 319K individuals annually (or -0.2 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    .
  • Regarding public health, the country maintains a reasonable health standard with a life expectancy of 78.0 years
    2023
    , though there is scope for further improvements to achieve higher global benchmarks. Concurrently, healthcare system effectiveness is further validated by favorable maternal and child health outcomes, reflected in a child mortality rate (under 5 years) of 6.2 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and a maternal mortality rate of 16 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    . These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 5.4% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Strong educational foundations are evident in the high adult literacy rate of 97%
    2020
    , which significantly contributes to human capital development. Complementing this, educational access shows solid progress through 89% primary enrollment
    1997
    and 93% secondary participation rates
    2012
    . This educational framework is supported by moderate public support, with 4.0% of GDP allocated to public educational expenditure
    2022
    , reflecting a balanced approach to funding.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 65% urban population
    2023
    , supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, infrastructure development shows strong progress with 100% electricity access
    2023
    and 78% internet penetration
    2023
    , supporting ongoing modernization efforts and enhancing quality of life.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

The combination of low fertility and net emigration poses significant long-term risks to workforce sustainability and economic vitality.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

A highly educated populace positions the nation for success in the global knowledge economy. Keeping talent is a vital strength.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.