Beijing's population sees first decline in 18 years.

Beijing's natural population growth has turned negative for the first time since 2003, with the death rate surpassing the birth rate in 2022. The decline is in line with national trends, with China's population falling last year for the first time in six decades due to rising living costs, weak economic growth, and changing attitudes towards raising a family. Beijing's birth rate is calculated based on permanent residents, not including migrant population, and is consistent with the national average figure. Political advisors to the government have come up with more than 20 recommendations to boost birth rates.