China's population drops for 2nd year, raises long-term growth concerns

China experienced a decline in its population for the second consecutive year. The total population decreased by 2.08 million to 1.4097 billion. Factors contributing to this decline include a significant reduction in childbirths, the highest death toll since 1949, and the relaxation of strict health measures. In 2023, India surpassed China as the most populous nation, according to United Nations projections. Experts caution that China, the world's second-largest economy, is poised to confront several challenges due to this demographic shift.