Analysis of the Birth Rate and Its Influencing Factors in China

Abstract

Population is the cornerstone of national development. China’s fertility rate has been falling for more than a decade. Although the country has actively adopted policies to stimulate fertility, the impact has not been satisfactory. Continued low fertility rate will lead to aging population, labor shortage and other social problems. This paper mainly analyzes the current fertility situation in China and studies the factors affecting the fertility rate. Through simple mathematical calculation, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics, this paper finds out the relationship and influence degree of each factor to fertility rate. It concludes that local economic level, raising costs and age at first marriage all have a key impact on fertility rate. To solve the downward pressure of China's population, this paper combined with China's national conditions, mainly put forward three feasible solutions, which are to increase the fertility fund, reduce the cost of raising children, and balance people's time for marriage, childbirth and work.