Ruqayyah Snyder
China and Australia are two countries with vastly different populations. China, the world's most populous nation until being surpassed by India in 2023, has a population of around 1.35 billion people, or roughly 20% of the world's population. On the other hand, Australia has a much smaller population, with its population equivalent to just a fraction of China's. In 2024, United Nations researchers predicted that China's population would decrease to 639 million by 2100, while researchers from Victoria University and the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences forecasted a sharper decline to approximately 525 million by 2100. These contrasting population sizes between China and Australia can be attributed to various factors, including historical events, geographical differences, and government policies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population of China | 1.35 billion (2013) / 1,419,933,142 (2020) |
| Population of Australia | N/A |
| Difference in Population | 1.35 billion (approximately) |
| Population of China as a percentage of the world | 20% (2013) |
| Number of provinces in China with a population greater than California | 14 |
| Number of cities in China with a population of over 1 million | 160+ |
| Population of China in 1982 | 1,008,180,738 |
| Projected population of China in 2100 | 525 million (Victoria University and Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences forecast) / 639 million (United Nations forecast) |
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What You'll Learn
China's population in 2020 was 1.4 billion
China's population growth has been influenced by various factors, including urbanization, emigration, and government policies. By the end of 2024, 67% of the total population lived in urban areas, up from 26% in 1990. The Chinese diaspora, which occurred from the 19th century to 1949, was caused by wars, starvation, invasions, and political corruption, resulting in emigration to countries like the Americas, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
China's population density varies significantly across regions. In 2002, about 94% of the population lived east of the Heihe-Tengchong Line, an area that comprises only 43% of China's total land area. The most densely populated areas include the Yangtze River Valley, the Sichuan Basin, and the North China Plain. In contrast, the population is sparse in the mountainous, desert, and grassland regions of the northwest and southwest.
China conducted its seventh national census in 2020, reporting a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.301, with variations between urban, township, and rural areas. The population growth rate in China is projected to decline, with United Nations researchers forecasting a population of 639 million by 2100. To address this, the Chinese government has implemented pro-natalist policies in the 2020s, offering incentives such as lengthened maternity leave, cash payments for second and third children, and government-subsidized fertility treatments.
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Australia is home to 0.025 billion people
China's population has long been recognised as one of the highest in the world, accounting for around 20% of the world's population. In fact, there are as many people in China as there are in North and South America, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand combined. China's population density varies greatly across the country, with the majority of people living east of the Tibetan Plateau and south of the northern steppe.
In contrast, Australia has a much smaller population, with around 0.025 billion people calling the country home. This number is significantly smaller than China's, even taking into account Australia's large land mass.
The two countries have taken different approaches to population growth and control. China has historically viewed a large population as an asset, but more recently, policies have shifted to encourage smaller families, with the government implementing pro-natalist policies in the 2020s. Australia, on the other hand, has a different set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to population growth and distribution, with a focus on urbanization and managing immigration.
While China's population is currently on a downward trajectory, expected to fall to around 525 million by 2100, Australia's population is projected to continue growing. This highlights the contrasting paths these two countries are taking in terms of demographic trends and the resulting impact on their societies and economies.
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China's population is 56 times that of Australia
As of 2023, the population of China is approximately 1.4 billion people, while the population of Australia is around 25 million. This means that China's population is indeed roughly 56 times larger than that of Australia. To put this into perspective, imagine if the entire population of Australia was equal to just over one percent of China's population. The vast disparity in population size between these two countries is significant and has far-reaching implications for various aspects of social, economic, and political life in both nations.
Starting with geography and demographics, China, being the world's most populous country, presents a diverse landscape of urban and rural areas. With a land area of approximately 9.6 million square kilometers, it experiences a wide range of population densities. On the other hand, Australia, with its 7.7 million square kilometers, has a much lower population density, even taking into account its vast interior deserts. This contrast in population distribution has profound effects on infrastructure development, transportation networks, and the utilization of natural resources in each country.
The sheer size of China's population has had a massive impact on its culture, traditions, and social dynamics. With such a large and diverse population, China encompasses a wide array of ethnic groups, languages, and dialects, shaping its rich cultural heritage. The high population density in certain regions has also influenced the development of densely populated urban centers and megacities, each with their unique characteristics and challenges. In contrast, Australia, with its smaller population, has a more homogeneous cultural landscape, though it is certainly not devoid of diversity, especially in its larger cities.
The economic implications of this population disparity are also noteworthy. China's large population provides both a vast consumer market and an abundant labor force, which have been key factors in its rapid economic growth and industrialization. This has allowed China to become a manufacturing powerhouse and a dominant force in global trade. On the other hand, Australia, with its smaller population, has traditionally had a more service-based economy, focusing on industries like tourism, education, and natural resource extraction, which are able to sustain a smaller population.
The political and governance systems of the two countries have also been shaped by their population sizes. China's centralized governance system has the challenging task of managing and balancing the needs and interests of its massive population, often requiring top-down policies and rapid implementation. Australia's system, catering to a smaller and more geographically dispersed population, tends to be more decentralized, with a focus on local and regional representation.
Finally, the environmental impact of these population sizes cannot be overlooked. China's large population exerts immense pressure on its natural resources, leading to issues such as water scarcity, air pollution, and land degradation. Australia, despite its smaller population, also faces environmental challenges, particularly in terms of sustainable water usage and land management, especially in fragile ecosystems. The management of these environmental issues requires tailored strategies that take into account the unique population dynamics of each country.
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China's population density varies across regions
China's population density varies significantly across regions. As of August 2025, China's population is approximately 1.4 billion, with a population density of 151 people per square kilometre. However, this figure hides a more complex reality.
Historically, China has always been one of the most populated regions of the world. In 1982, China became the first country to surpass 1 billion people. By 2020, China's population had reached 1.4 billion, with 91.11% of Han Chinese and 8.89% minorities. However, China's population growth rate is now negative at -0.10%, and the country faces the challenge of an ageing population due to increased life expectancy and declining birth rates. This demographic shift has significant implications for social services and the labour force.
China's population is not evenly distributed across its vast territory. In 2002, about 94% of the population lived east of the Heihe-Tengchong Line, which comprises only 43% of China's land area. This eastern region, including the Yangtze River Valley, the Sichuan Basin, the North China Plain, and the Pearl River Delta, has a high population density comparable to that of Japan. The North China Plain, in particular, is a densely populated agricultural region stretching from Beijing to Shanghai.
In contrast, the western regions of China, including Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Tibet, Qinghai, and Gansu, are sparsely populated. These provinces make up 55% of China's land area but contained only 5.7% of its population in 1985. Portions of Inner Mongolia are completely uninhabited, and only a few areas have populations denser than ten people per square kilometre. The western regions are characterised by deserts, mountains, and grasslands, making them less conducive to human habitation. However, the Gobi Desert, Kunlun Mountains, and Tibetan Plateau regions still account for 6% of China's population, or about 84 million people.
China's urbanisation policies and economic reforms have also influenced population distribution. By the end of 2024, 67% of the total population lived in urban areas, a significant increase from 26% in 1990. The Hukou permanent residence registration system, land-sale policies, infrastructure investment, and incentives offered to local officials have directed migration towards large cities. Additionally, factors such as employment, education, business opportunities, and a higher standard of living have drawn people from rural areas to urban centres.
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China's population is expected to fall to 639 million by 2100
The aging population in China is another significant factor in the projected population decline. By 2035, it is expected that over 400 million people, or 30% of the population, will be aged 60 and older. This aging demographic will result in a higher dependency ratio, with more people outside the working age range than within it by 2100. Additionally, China has experienced net negative migration for several decades, with more people emigrating than immigrating, further contributing to the population decrease.
To address the declining population, China has implemented pro-natalist policies in the 2020s, including lengthening paid maternity leave, providing cash payments for second and third children in some regions, offering government-subsidized fertility treatments, and establishing new childcare facilities. These policies aim to encourage higher birth rates and slow down the population decline.
The projected population fall has sparked warnings of a potential crisis, as there may not be enough young people to support the aging population and drive economic growth. However, some argue that a smaller population could present opportunities for China to achieve a stable and sustainable population, allowing it to remain a global superpower while improving the prosperity and well-being of its citizens.
In conclusion, the expectation of China's population falling to 639 million by 2100 is based on various demographic and social factors. The country's aging population, low fertility rates, net negative migration, and historical policies related to family planning have all contributed to this projection. While some warn of a looming crisis, others believe that a smaller population could bring about opportunities for a more sustainable and prosperous future for China.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2020, China's population was 1,419,933,142.
Australia's population is not specified, but it is estimated to be much lower than China's. In fact, the population of China is equivalent to the combined population of North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and all of Western Europe.
China's population is unevenly distributed. In 2002, about 94% of the population lived east of the Heihe-Tengchong Line, which comprises only 43% of China's land area. The population density in this eastern area is roughly 280/km2, comparable to that of Japan.
