China: Population Gender Distribution, by year
YearMale,
in millions
Female,
in millions
2023720.32689.35
2022722.06689.69
2021723.11689.49
2020723.57688.55
2019720.39689.69
2018718.64686.77
2017716.50683.61
2016713.07679.25
2015708.57674.69
2014705.22671.24
2013700.63666.63
  • Region: China
  • Time period: 2013 to 2023
  • Published: Jan 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 11, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Decline in Male Population

Between 2013 and 2023, the male population in China experienced a gradual decrease from 700.63 million to 720.32 million, marking an increase in the first half but ultimately showing a slight decline from its peak of 723.57 million in 2020 to 720.32 million by 2023.

Stability in Female Population

The female population demonstrated remarkable stability over the same period, with minor fluctuations. It increased slightly from 666.63 million in 2013 to 689.35 million in 2023, with the highest count at 689.69 million recorded in both 2019 and 2022.

Narrowing Gender Gap

The gender gap in China has been narrowing, with the difference in population between males and females decreasing from 34 million in 2013 to approximately 31 million in 2023. This trend underscores a gradual approach towards gender balance in the demographic structure.

Yearly Population Movements

Annual changes in population figures highlight a pattern of slow growth or slight reduction for both genders, indicating a stabilizing demographic with minimal year-over-year variance. The male population's decrease from 723.57 million in 2020 to 720.32 million in 2023, alongside a subtle rise in the female population during the same timeframe, exemplifies this trend.

Comparative Population Growth Rates

Comparatively, the female population growth rate appears slightly more stable than that of the male population, with the females showing a consistent, albeit small, upward trend over the decade, as opposed to the male population which peaked in 2020 and then began to decrease.

Population Peaks and Declines

The male population peaked in 2020 at 723.57 million, whereas the female population saw its highest numbers in 2019 and 2022, each at 689.69 million. This indicates a pivotal moment in China's demographic trends, especially with the subsequent decline in the male population and the stabilization of the female population numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What has been the trend in the gender gap in China's population?

The gender gap in China's population has been narrowing, decreasing from 34 million in 2013 to 31 million in 2023.

How did the peak population numbers of males and females in China compare?

The male population peaked at 723.57 million in 2020, whereas the female population peaked at 689.69 million in both 2019 and 2022.

Terms and Definitions

Population refers to the total number of people residing in a specific region at a specific time. It includes men, women, and children of all ages. It's a fundamental source of data for demographic studies and is essential for understanding issues related to distribution, density, and growth.

Gender Distribution is a demographic measure that shows the proportion of males to females in a given population. It is commonly represented as a gender ratio, showing the number of males for every 100 females. An uneven gender distribution can indicate social, cultural, or economic factors influencing birth rates and migration in a region.

Demography is the statistical study of populations, especially human ones. It includes the study of the size, structure, and distribution of these populations, and spatial and/or temporal changes in them in response to birth, migration, aging, and death. This study provides vital information for social and economic planning.

The Birth Rate is a demographic measure that indicates the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population in a year. It is an important factor in determining the annual growth rate of a population.

Migration refers to the movement of people from one geographical area to another, often for reasons such as seeking better economic opportunities, to escape conflict, or for environmental reasons. It can have significant impacts on the population size and gender distribution in both the departure and arrival locations.

The Female-to-Male Ratio is a specific gender ratio that shows the number of females for every 100 males. This ratio can indicate certain social, cultural, and economic trends, as a significant discrepancy may imply gender imbalances due to various societal issues.

Gender Imbalance refers to an unequal distribution or disparity between the amounts of males and females in a population. This can occur due to factors such as gender-based selective practices, differential mortality rates, immigration, or issues relating to birth rates.
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Demography
Demography studies the characteristics of human populations, including aspects such as birth rate, death rate, migration, and how these elements can influence societal structure and development. Read more »