China’s Population Structure

In recent times, there have been many changes in the population size and structure of China. The changes are related to the age, gender, and ethnicity of China’s population, as well as the rural and urban populations of China. There are also many issues which relate to these changes.

A large proportion of China’s population live in rural areas (approximately 70% rural, 30% urban). In rural areas, couples are often allowed to have two children, or have another child if the first one is a girl.                                                                                                                                                                 A current issue relating to this is the migration of people from rural areas to urban areas. Many people end up not being able to find a job, and living a poorer quality life than they did before.

China’s population is made up of 56 different ethnic groups. The largest of these groups is Han Chinese, which makes up 92% of the total population. If you belong to a minority ethnic group, you are allowed to have two children.                                                                                                                  A current issue relating to ethnicity is the persecution of Tibetans, where the religion of Buddhism is prominent. Many temples in Tibet have been destroyed, and hundreds of Tibetans have been imprisoned and tortured. Also, Han Chinese are being encouraged to move to Tibet, in an effort to populate it with Han Chinese, and drive the Tibetans out. Han Chinese in Tibet are allowed to have three children. The main reason for this, is that China is communist, and therefore doesn’t support religions.