China population: 6 takeaways from 2023 as its populace fell by the size of New Mexico

China’s population fell by 2.08 million last year to 1.4097 billion people, down by 2.08 million from 1.4118 billion in 2022.

The official population data includes its 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, as well as servicemen, but excludes foreigners.

In terms of gender, China’s male population stood at 720.32 million in 2023, while the female population was 689.35 million.

“The population contraction observed in 2023 aligns with our earlier projections,” said Yue Su, principal economist for China at The Economist Intelligence Unit.