|
|
 |
| Trade and Investment Publication |
|
| |
Facts & Figures |
 |
Burden of China's aging population mitigated by income
September 29, 2006
Burden of China's aging population mitigated by income
|
Data: World Bank's World Development Indicators; growth rate is compound average annual
growth rate.
|
China's 1.3 billion people are aging, with those above age 65 rising from 5% of the population in
1980 to 8% by 2004, resulting in a growing number of elderly to support. Meanwhile, the portion
of people under 15 has been falling, so China will face, proportionally, an even greater elderly
population in the future and fewer people entering the labour force to support them. This will
create a drag on China's growth; however, the overall impact will be mitigated by rising incomes.
From 1980 to 2004, China's over-65 population doubled, but real GDP per capita increased
seven-fold. Thus, while the elderly population continues to grow, the funds available to support
them are growing faster, suggesting that the stress created on the economy will be manageable.
Provided by the Current and Structural Analysis Division, Office of the Chief Economist,
www.international.gc.ca/eet.
|
