China Population: How Many People Live in China?
Historical Population Data (1960-2024)
What is the population of China? The current China population is 1 408 975 000 people in 2024. China has experienced significant growth in population over the past six decades. From 667 070 000 people in 1960, the population has grown to 1 408 975 000 in 2023, representing a growth of 741 905 000 people (+111.2%).
The country reached its peak population of 1 412 360 000 in 2021, after which population levels began to decline. This historical data provides valuable insights into China's demographic evolution and long-term population trends.
Current Population (2024)
Population in 1960
Total Growth
Peak Population
📈 Population Trend of China (1960-2024)
This interactive chart visualizes China's population growth over more than six decades, from 1960 to 2024. The trend line shows how the country's total population has changed year by year, making it easy to identify periods of rapid growth, stability, or decline.
Hover over any point on the chart to see the exact population figure for that specific year. The data is sourced from World Bank (updated: 10/7/2025) and provides a comprehensive historical view of demographic changes in China.
📊 China Population by Decade
|
Year
|
Population
|
Change from Previous Decade
|
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 667 070 000 | |
| 1970 | 818 315 000 | +151 245 000 (+22.7%) |
| 1980 | 981 235 000 | +162 920 000 (+19.9%) |
| 1990 | 1 135 185 000 | +153 950 000 (+15.7%) |
| 2000 | 1 262 645 000 | +127 460 000 (+11.2%) |
| 2010 | 1 337 705 000 | +75 060 000 (+5.9%) |
| 2020 | 1 411 100 000 | +73 395 000 (+5.5%) |
| 2024 | 1 408 975 000 | -2 125 000 (-0.2%) |
This table presents China's population data at key 10-year intervals, providing a clear overview of long-term demographic trends. Each row shows the population count for a specific decade, along with the absolute and percentage change from the previous data point.
By examining these decade-by-decade changes, you can quickly identify major demographic shifts and understand the overall growth pattern of China without getting into year-by-year details.
📅 Complete Historical Data of China (1960-2024)
|
Year
|
Population
|
Annual Change
|
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 667 070 000 | |
| 1961 | 660 330 000 | -6 740 000 |
| 1962 | 665 770 000 | +5 440 000 |
| 1963 | 682 335 000 | +16 565 000 |
| 1964 | 698 355 000 | +16 020 000 |
| 1965 | 715 185 000 | +16 830 000 |
| 1966 | 735 400 000 | +20 215 000 |
| 1967 | 754 550 000 | +19 150 000 |
| 1968 | 774 510 000 | +19 960 000 |
| 1969 | 796 025 000 | +21 515 000 |
| 1970 | 818 315 000 | +22 290 000 |
| 1971 | 841 105 000 | +22 790 000 |
| 1972 | 862 030 000 | +20 925 000 |
| 1973 | 881 940 000 | +19 910 000 |
| 1974 | 900 350 000 | +18 410 000 |
| 1975 | 916 395 000 | +16 045 000 |
| 1976 | 930 685 000 | +14 290 000 |
| 1977 | 943 455 000 | +12 770 000 |
| 1978 | 956 165 000 | +12 710 000 |
| 1979 | 969 005 000 | +12 840 000 |
| 1980 | 981 235 000 | +12 230 000 |
| 1981 | 993 885 000 | +12 650 000 |
| 1982 | 1 008 630 000 | +14 745 000 |
| 1983 | 1 023 310 000 | +14 680 000 |
| 1984 | 1 036 825 000 | +13 515 000 |
| 1985 | 1 051 040 000 | +14 215 000 |
| 1986 | 1 066 790 000 | +15 750 000 |
| 1987 | 1 084 035 000 | +17 245 000 |
| 1988 | 1 101 630 000 | +17 595 000 |
| 1989 | 1 118 650 000 | +17 020 000 |
| 1990 | 1 135 185 000 | +16 535 000 |
| 1991 | 1 150 780 000 | +15 595 000 |
| 1992 | 1 164 970 000 | +14 190 000 |
| 1993 | 1 178 440 000 | +13 470 000 |
| 1994 | 1 191 835 000 | +13 395 000 |
| 1995 | 1 204 855 000 | +13 020 000 |
| 1996 | 1 217 550 000 | +12 695 000 |
| 1997 | 1 230 075 000 | +12 525 000 |
| 1998 | 1 241 935 000 | +11 860 000 |
| 1999 | 1 252 735 000 | +10 800 000 |
| 2000 | 1 262 645 000 | +9 910 000 |
| 2001 | 1 271 850 000 | +9 205 000 |
| 2002 | 1 280 400 000 | +8 550 000 |
| 2003 | 1 288 400 000 | +8 000 000 |
| 2004 | 1 296 075 000 | +7 675 000 |
| 2005 | 1 303 720 000 | +7 645 000 |
| 2006 | 1 311 020 000 | +7 300 000 |
| 2007 | 1 317 885 000 | +6 865 000 |
| 2008 | 1 324 655 000 | +6 770 000 |
| 2009 | 1 331 260 000 | +6 605 000 |
| 2010 | 1 337 705 000 | +6 445 000 |
| 2011 | 1 345 035 000 | +7 330 000 |
| 2012 | 1 354 190 000 | +9 155 000 |
| 2013 | 1 363 240 000 | +9 050 000 |
| 2014 | 1 371 860 000 | +8 620 000 |
| 2015 | 1 379 860 000 | +8 000 000 |
| 2016 | 1 387 790 000 | +7 930 000 |
| 2017 | 1 396 215 000 | +8 425 000 |
| 2018 | 1 402 760 000 | +6 545 000 |
| 2019 | 1 407 745 000 | +4 985 000 |
| 2020 | 1 411 100 000 | +3 355 000 |
| 2021 | 1 412 360 000 | +1 260 000 |
| 2022 | 1 412 175 000 | -185 000 |
| 2023 | 1 410 710 000 | -1 465 000 |
| 2024 | 1 408 975 000 | -1 735 000 |
This comprehensive table displays the complete year-by-year population records for China from 1960 to 2024. Each row represents one calendar year, showing the total population and the annual change compared to the previous year.
Use this detailed dataset to analyze short-term population fluctuations, identify specific years with significant changes, or track precise demographic patterns. The sortable columns allow you to organize the data by year, population size, or annual change to suit your research needs. Data source: World Bank (updated: 10/7/2025).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About China Population
What is the current population of China?
The population of China is estimated to be approximately 1 408 975 000 people as of 2024, based on official data from the World Bank.
How fast is the population of China growing?
China has experienced growth with an average annual growth rate of approximately 1.18% per year from 1960 to 2024. The total population has increased by 741 905 000 people (+111.2%) over this 64-year period.
How does China's population compare to other countries?
China ranks #18 in the world by population as of 2024, placing it among the more populous nations worldwide. With 1 408 975 000 people, China accounts for approximately 1.60% of the world's total population.
How has the population of China changed over time?
Over the past decades, China's population has increased from 667 070 000 people in 1960 to 1 408 975 000 in 2024. The country reached its peak population of 1 412 360 000 in 2021. This growth reflects improvements in healthcare, economic development, and overall quality of life.
What were the population milestones of China?
China achieved several significant demographic milestones throughout its history. The population first reached 667 070 000 in 1960, and grew to its current level of 1 408 975 000 by 2024. The highest recorded population was 1 412 360 000 people in 2021, while the lowest in recent history was 660 330 000 in 1961.
What factors influence population growth in China?
Key factors influencing population dynamics in China include birth and death rates, migration patterns, government policies related to family planning and immigration, healthcare infrastructure and life expectancy, economic conditions affecting family size decisions, urbanization trends, and socio-cultural factors. The country's positive population trend over the past 64 years reflects the combined impact of these various demographic drivers.
Where can I find historical population data for China?
This page provides comprehensive historical population data for China from 1960 to 2024, sourced directly from the World Bank's official database. The data includes year-by-year population figures, decade summaries, growth rates, and interactive charts showing long-term demographic trends. This information is updated regularly (last update: 10/7/2025) to ensure accuracy and reliability for research, educational, and analytical purposes.