Core Insights - The article discusses the dependency ratio in China, highlighting that in 2024, 15 provinces will have a total dependency ratio higher than the national average, with five provinces exceeding 50% [2][3]. Regional Population Age Structure and Dependency Ratio (2024) - The national total dependency ratio is 45.93%, with a child dependency ratio of 23.08% and an elderly dependency ratio of 22.85% [3]. - Provinces with total dependency ratios exceeding 50% include: - Guizhou: 53.37% - Guangxi: 53.08% - Shandong: 52.72% - Henan: 52.43% - Hebei: 50.2% [3][4]. - High total dependency ratios are linked to labor outflow and high proportions of children or elderly populations [3]. Future Population Dividend - Provinces like Guizhou and Guangxi have child dependency ratios above 30%, indicating potential for urbanization [4]. - 18 provinces have a child population ratio exceeding the national average of 15.81%, with 13 provinces above 17%, predominantly in the western region [4]. Guangdong Province Insights - Guangdong has a permanent urban population of 97.01 million, with an urbanization rate of 75.91%, ranking fourth nationally [5]. - The province's birth rate is 8.89‰, with 113,000 births in 2024, maintaining its status as the largest birth province for seven consecutive years [5]. - The influx of young, marriage-age individuals contributes to the province's high birth rates despite declining fertility intentions in some areas [5]. Labor Age Population Proportion - 12 provinces have a labor age population ratio exceeding 70%, including Guangdong (72.28%), which has the highest influx of labor-age individuals [6]. - The Northeast region has a low child population ratio, resulting in a lower total dependency ratio despite a relatively high labor age population [6]. Elderly Dependency Ratio - 11 provinces have an elderly dependency ratio of 25% or higher, primarily located in Northeast, Yangtze River Delta, and Bohai Rim regions [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the dependency ratio in China, highlighting the challenges and opportunities presented by the demographic structure across different provinces in 2024, with a focus on the implications for urbanization and economic growth [3][5]. Summary by Sections Dependency Ratio Overview - The dependency ratio, or support ratio, measures the ratio of non-working-age population to working-age population (ages 15-64). In 2024, 15 provinces had a total dependency ratio above the national average, with five provinces exceeding 50%: Guizhou, Guangxi, Shandong, Henan, and Hebei [3][5]. Provincial Analysis - The article provides a detailed breakdown of the dependency ratios across various provinces, indicating that high dependency ratios are often linked to population outflows, particularly of the working-age population, and high proportions of children or elderly individuals [5][6]. - For instance, Guizhou and Guangxi have child dependency ratios exceeding 30%, indicating potential future demographic advantages due to a larger base of young people [5]. Urbanization Potential - Provinces with high child populations and low urbanization rates, such as those in the western regions, show significant potential for urbanization. In contrast, provinces like Guangdong and Fujian, despite high urbanization rates, also maintain a substantial proportion of children in their populations [5][6]. Birth Rates and Population Trends - Guangdong has the highest urban population, with a rate of 75.91% and a birth rate of 8.89‰, leading the nation in births for seven consecutive years, with 1.13 million births in 2024 [5][6]. - The influx of young, working-age individuals into Guangdong contributes to its high labor force participation, with 72.28% of its population in the working-age group [6]. Regional Disparities - The article notes that while some provinces have high ratios of elderly dependents, such as those in Northeast China, they also have a relatively low birth rate, leading to a lower overall dependency ratio [6].

Core Insights - The overall dependency ratio in five provinces exceeds 50%, indicating a significant proportion of non-working age population compared to the working-age population [1][3] - In 2024, 15 provinces have a total dependency ratio higher than the national average, with notable figures in Guizhou, Guangxi, Shandong, Henan, and Hebei [1][2] Dependency Ratios by Region - The national total dependency ratio is 45.93%, with a breakdown of 23.08% for children and 22.85% for the elderly [2] - Provinces with the highest total dependency ratios include: - Guizhou: 53.37% (children: 33.58%, elderly: 19.79%) - Guangxi: 53.08% (children: 31.69%, elderly: 21.39%) - Shandong: 52.72% (children: 25.64%, elderly: 27.08%) - Henan: 52.43% (children: 29.51%, elderly: 22.92%) - Hebei: 50.2% (children: 25.48%, elderly: 24.72%) [2][3] Population Composition and Urbanization Potential - High total dependency ratios are linked to both out-migration of the working-age population and high proportions of children or elderly in certain provinces [3] - Provinces like Guizhou and Guangxi, despite high dependency ratios, have significant potential for urbanization due to their high child dependency ratios (over 30%) [3] Child Population Statistics - Eighteen provinces have a child population ratio exceeding the national average of 15.81%, with 13 provinces above 17%, predominantly in the western region [4] - Guangdong, despite its high urbanization rate (75.91%), has a child population ratio exceeding 17% and continues to lead in birth rates, with 1.13 million births in 2024 [4] Working-Age Population Insights - Twelve provinces have a working-age population ratio above 70%, including Guangdong, Zhejiang, Beijing, and Shanghai, which are major destinations for labor migration [5] - Guangdong has the highest working-age population ratio at 72.28%, reflecting its status as the province with the most significant inflow of young labor [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant impact of population changes on the economy, emphasizing the relationship between labor force demographics and economic growth, particularly in China [3][4]. Population Dependency Ratio and Economic Growth - China's population dependency ratio decreased from 7 dependents per 10 working-age individuals to 3.4 from 1980 to 2010, coinciding with an average GDP growth rate of around 10% during that period [3]. - Post-2010, the dependency ratio began to rise, with the GDP growth rate declining to 5%, indicating increased financial pressure on families and the state due to a higher number of dependents [4]. Future Population Projections - It is projected that by 2027, China's total population will fall below 1.4 billion, and by 2039, it will drop below 1.3 billion [10]. - Newborn population is expected to decline to below 9 million by 2025 and potentially drop below 7 million by 2035, indicating a significant demographic shift [11]. Birth Rate Trends and Influencing Factors - The article highlights a rapid decline in birth rates, particularly among younger age groups, and compares China's birth rates with those of Japan and several European countries [14]. - Factors contributing to the decline in marriage and birth rates include gender imbalance, educational disparities, and economic pressures faced by young people [17]. Urbanization and Population Movement - Urbanization rates in China are slowing, with a notable decrease in the influx of migrant workers and a trend of population return to central and western provinces [20]. - Major urban centers continue to attract population growth, with cities like Zhejiang and Shanghai experiencing significant net inflows despite overall population declines in many provinces [21]. Employment Trends in Different Sectors - The manufacturing sector's employment is decreasing, while the service sector is expanding, indicating a shift in economic structure [25]. - High-tech manufacturing and service industry growth are key factors attracting population inflows, with cities like Chengdu and Hefei leading in these developments [25].