Hey there, future parents and curious minds! Guess what? China just got some exciting news! 🎉 After seven years of declining birth rates, 2024 is bringing a wave of adorable newborns to the world’s most populous country. 🍼❤️
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced on Friday that China welcomed 9.54 million babies last year, marking an increase of 520,000 little ones compared to 2023. The birth rate climbed to 6.77 per 1,000 people, up by 0.38 per thousand from the previous year. That's a lot of cute baby pics incoming! 📸👶
So, what's sparking this baby boom? According to Yuan Xin, vice president of the China Population Association and a professor at Nankai University, it's a mix of things. The Year of the Dragon 🐉, which is super lucky in Chinese culture, has definitely inspired couples to start or grow their families. Plus, after the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are tying the knot and embracing the future with hope. 💑✨
Official stats show that approximately 11.94 million Chinese people got married for the first time in 2023. That's a 13.52% jump from 2022 and the first increase in newlyweds since 2014! Love is definitely in the air. 💖
Yuan Xin points out that many couples postponed their wedding plans because of the pandemic. Now, with life returning to normal, they're ready to say \"I do\" and perhaps welcome a bundle of joy soon after. \"As most Chinese still adhere to the tradition of marrying before having children, the rise in marriages is expected to boost the birth rate within one to two years,\" Yuan said. \"Moreover, our comprehensive birth support policies are beginning to show results.\" 🤗
China has been rolling out the welcome mat for bigger families. Back in 2015, the one-child policy was relaxed to allow two kiddos per couple. And in 2021, they raised the limit again, letting families have a third child if they wish. To make things even better, the government is offering support like expanded childcare, education benefits, housing assistance, and employment support. Talk about a family-friendly vibe! 🏡👨👩👧👦
With the Year of the Dragon symbolizing good fortune and strength, it's no wonder this mystical creature is encouraging a spike in births. The dragon is the most auspicious of the 12 zodiac animals, and having a \"dragon baby\" is considered super lucky. 🐲✨
So, here's to China's newest generation of little dragons! May they bring joy, prosperity, and lots of smiles. Welcome to the world, tiny tots! 🎊👶🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
